In today’s digital-first environment, local government leaders face complex decisions that impact everything from service delivery to public trust. Whether evaluating new technologies, managing vendor relationships, or allocating budgets, cybersecurity must be part of the conversation—not an afterthought.
The Enterprise Governance of Information and Technology (EGIT) framework offers a structured approach to integrating cybersecurity into decision-making. It empowers officials to ask the right questions, weigh trade-offs, and make informed choices that balance innovation with risk.
To support this shift, we’ve developed a Cybersecurity Questions for Decision-Makers Checklist—a practical tool for embedding security into governance processes.
Cybersecurity Questions for Decision-Makers
Use this checklist to guide discussions and ensure cybersecurity is considered at every stage of planning and implementation:
1. Strategic Alignment
- Does this technology investment align with our mission and service goals?
- How does it support resilience, transparency, and public trust?
2. Risk Oversight
- What are the cybersecurity risks associated with this decision?
- Have we consulted cybersecurity leaders or risk specialists?
- Are we considering both internal and third-party risks?
3. Compliance and Legal Obligations
- Does this solution meet our legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., CJIS, HIPAA)?
- How will we ensure ongoing compliance as regulations evolve?
4. Data Protection and Privacy
- What types of data are involved, and how will they be protected?
- Are encryption, access controls, and monitoring in place?
5. Roles and Responsibilities
- Who is accountable for cybersecurity in this initiative?
- Are roles clearly defined across departments and vendors?
6. Incident Preparedness
- Do we have a response plan if something goes wrong?
- How will we detect, respond to, and recover from a cyber incident?
7. Budget and Resources
- Have we allocated sufficient resources for cybersecurity?
- Are we balancing operational needs with long-term risk management?
8. Performance and Monitoring
- What metrics will we use to monitor cybersecurity performance?
- How often will we review and update our approach?
9. Public Communication
- How will we communicate cybersecurity risks and protections to the public?
- Are we prepared to maintain trust in the event of a breach?
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a governance imperative. By using this checklist, local officials can ensure that cybersecurity is part of every major decision, from budgeting and procurement to service delivery and public engagement. These questions help leaders move from reactive risk management to proactive resilience.
Local Government Cybersecurity Alliance 