cyberinfrastructure

The rise in cyberattacks against critical infrastructure affects consumers, government agencies, and institutions. Compromised critical infrastructure can risk public safety and service availability for citizens. Risks such as public transit service outages, contaminated water supplies, disabled emergency communication systems, and even life-threatening power outages can lead to societal chaos and even potential loss of life.

In 2021, the National Cybersecurity Center launched Cyber for State Leaders (featured in 

In today's ever-evolving cyber landscape, safeguarding information and proactively addressing potential threats to a municipality and the community it serves are top priorities. Over the last two years, attackers were quick to adapt to and exploit new technology and WFH requirements, targeting relief programs and disrupting payment flows. Moreover, threat actors have increasingly abused inherent trust in system connectivity, privilege, and access, and identity continues to be a sought-after commodity.

Why You Are a Target and What No Cost Cybersecurity Resources are Available to Help!

For a brief timeframe, many smaller municipalities felt insulated to cyber criminal activity. After all, who would target a town of 6,000 when there are 317 U.S. cities with populations over 100,000 and far more financial resources? The cyber threat environment has shifted, cyber criminals have become more opportunistic, and everyone is now a potential target.

Ransomware, malware, and cyberattacks are putting municipalities in the news for all the wrong reasons. And it’s scary to think how easy it can happen—especially when 95% of all successful attacks over the past two years started in email. Not to worry. Ways exist to mitigate the risks of such attacks. Joe Howland, Chief Information Security Officer at VC3, will talk about these evolving threats, discuss a framework for covering all aspects of your cybersecurity, and provide you an actionable checklist that you can take back to your municipality.