Tag: cyber-security

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Budgeting & Resources

Cybersecurity Financing: Risk-Based Budgeting for Local Governments

Why risCybersecurity is no longer just a technical line item—it’s a strategic investment in the continuity, safety, and trustworthiness of public services. Yet for many local governments, financing cybersecurity remains a challenge. Limited budgets, competing priorities, and rising threat levels create a complex environment for decision-makers.

To navigate this landscape, municipalities must adopt a risk-based approach to cybersecurity budgeting—one that aligns spending with the potential impact and likelihood of threats.

Why Risk-Based Budgeting Matters

Local governments operate under tight financial constraints, but the risks posed by cyber threats continue to escalate. A reactive or ad hoc approach to cybersecurity spending can leave critical systems exposed while wasting resources on low-impact threats.

Risk-based budgeting helps leaders:

  • Focus resources on the most critical vulnerabilities.
  • Avoid overspending on non-essential tools or services.
  • Align cybersecurity investments with broader public service goals.

Understanding the full financial exposure to cyber risk—including direct costs (e.g., legal fees), indirect costs (e.g., reputational damage), and insurance implications—is essential for informed decision-making.

Key Components of Cybersecurity Financing

1. Centralized and Intentional Budgeting

Cybersecurity should be treated as an enterprise-wide priority. Budgeting must be centralized to ensure consistency, accountability, and strategic alignment across departments.

2. Formal Business Cases

Major cybersecurity expenditures—such as infrastructure upgrades or third-party services—should be justified through formal business cases. These cases should tie spending to specific service outcomes and risk reduction goals.

3. Procurement and Policy Alignment

All cybersecurity purchases must follow established procurement policies and be aligned with public accountability standards. Transparency in vendor selection and contract terms is essential.

4. Cost Exposure Analysis

Local governments should assess the full financial impact of potential cyber incidents. This includes:

  • Direct Costs: Remediation, legal fees, fines.
  • Indirect Costs: Reputational damage, service disruption.
  • Insurance Costs: Premiums and post-incident rate increases.
  • Infrastructure Investments: Ongoing upgrades to secure systems.
  • Incident Response: Emergency teams, forensic investigations.
  • Credit Rating Impact: Potential increases in borrowing costs 2.

Best Practices for Trustees and Budget Officers

  • Require annual reviews of cybersecurity spending and outcomes.
  • Include cybersecurity in capital planning and long-term financial forecasts.
  • Conduct tabletop exercises to test financial readiness for cyber incidents.
  • Ensure that cybersecurity insurance coverage is adequate and up to date.

Cybersecurity financing is not just about protecting data—it’s about protecting the public. By adopting a risk-based budgeting strategy, local governments can make smarter investments, reduce exposure, and build more resilient communities.

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Planning & Policy

Planning for the Unthinkable: Business Continuity in Local Government

Disasters—whether natural, man-made, or digital—don’t wait for convenience. Fires, floods, active shooter incidents, and cybersecurity breaches can disrupt essential services and threaten public safety. That’s why business continuity planning is not just a best practice—it’s a governance imperative.

Local government agencies have increasingly recognized the need to prepare for a wide range of crisis scenarios. Trustees, as fiduciaries, play a critical role in ensuring that continuity plans prioritize the protection and recovery of high-value assets and systems. A well-structured business continuity plan (BCP) helps agencies respond quickly, maintain operations, and communicate effectively during emergencies.

Key Components of a Business Continuity Plan

  1. Establishing a Command Center
    Designate a physical or virtual location where crisis coordination will occur. This center should be equipped to manage communications, decision-making, and resource deployment.
  2. Law Enforcement Notification
    Ensure protocols are in place for timely engagement with law enforcement and emergency responders, especially in cases involving physical threats or criminal activity.
  3. Asset Custody During Investigations
    Define procedures for securing and preserving critical assets—both digital and physical—during forensic investigations or legal proceedings.
  4. Disaster Recovery Process
    Outline the steps for restoring systems, data, and services. Include recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) to guide expectations and resource allocation.

Cybersecurity Breach Response

In the event of a cybersecurity incident, stakeholders—including constituents, voters, and third-party partners—will demand clarity. They’ll want to know:

  • What happened?
  • Was their data compromised?
  • What is being done to contain and resolve the issue?

Employees, vendors, and suppliers may also experience workflow disruptions, affecting service delivery. An effective communication plan is essential for managing internal and external messaging. Poor communication can lead to confusion, mistrust, and reputational damage.

Tabletop Exercises: A Best Practice for Trustees

Trustees should require an annual business continuity tabletop exercise. These simulations test the effectiveness of the continuity plan against specific threat scenarios. Key elements include:

  • Participation from both IT and functional staff.
  • Clear recovery time objectives.
  • Realistic threat scenarios (e.g., ransomware, natural disaster, insider threat).
  • Post-exercise reporting to senior management and the Board.

The exercise should result in a documented assessment of strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement.

Business continuity planning is not just about technology—it’s about leadership, coordination, and resilience. By preparing for the worst, local governments can ensure they continue to deliver essential services when their communities need them most.

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Actionable Steps

Protecting the Crown Jewels: How to Secure Mission-Critical Assets

In cybersecurity, not all assets are created equal. Some systems and data are so vital to a government’s mission that their compromise could result in severe disruption, financial loss, or public harm. These are known as high-value assets (HVAs)—the crown jewels of your organization’s digital infrastructure.

According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), HVAs are “information or an information system that is so critical to an organization that the loss or corruption of this information, or loss of access to the system, would have serious impact on the organization’s ability to perform its mission or conduct business.” For state and local governments, protecting HVAs is not optional—it’s foundational.

Step 1: Identifying and Assessing High-Value Assets

Before you can protect HVAs, you must know what they are. This begins with a thorough organizational assessment to identify systems and data that are mission-critical. Once identified, conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate vulnerabilities, dependencies, and potential impact.

Step 2: Patch Management

Unpatched systems are one of the most common entry points for attackers. While scheduling maintenance windows can be challenging, timely patching is essential to reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities. Prioritize HVAs in your patching schedule and automate where possible.

Step 3: Malware Defense and Anti-Phishing

Deploy automated tools to detect and neutralize malware. Phishing remains a top threat vector—especially for systems that store sensitive data. Implement email filtering, sandboxing, and user training to reduce the risk of infection.

Step 4: Access Control

Limit access to HVAs based on job roles. Avoid shared administrative accounts and enforce logging and monitoring of all key security events. Regular audits help ensure that access privileges remain appropriate and that remote access is tightly controlled.

Step 5: Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a must for all users accessing HVAs. It adds a critical layer of protection against unauthorized access and credential theft. Ensure MFA is enforced across all access points, including remote and mobile connections.

Step 6: Network Segmentation

Segment networks to isolate HVAs from less secure systems. This limits lateral movement in the event of a breach. Define zones with specific rules and restrictions, and monitor traffic between zones to detect anomalies.

Step 7: Employee Education

Human error is a leading cause of cybersecurity incidents. Train staff to recognize phishing attempts, avoid risky behaviors, and follow security protocols. Use awareness campaigns, simulations, and role-specific training to reinforce best practices.

CISA’s Recommended Actions for HVA Protection

CISA outlines five key actions to help organizations secure HVAs:

  1. Establish an Organization-Wide HVA Governance Program
    Make HVA protection a strategic priority across departments.
  2. Identify and Prioritize HVAs
    Focus resources on the most critical systems.
  3. Consider Interconnectivity and Dependencies
    Understand how systems interact and rely on one another.
  4. Develop a Methodology for Prioritizing HVAs
    Use mission impact to guide protection efforts.
  5. Develop an Assessment Approach for HVAs
    Determine how often to assess and whether to use internal or external evaluators.

Protecting mission-critical assets requires more than technical controls—it demands strategic oversight, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement. By identifying HVAs, implementing layered defenses, and following CISA’s guidance, state and local governments can reduce risk and ensure continuity of operations.

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Leadership & Governance

Oversight in Action: Strengthening Cybersecurity Governance for Local Governments

The oversight of a cybersecurity program in a state or local government is a complex, multifaceted responsibility. With limited budgets, minimal staffing, and increasing regulatory demands, ensuring that cybersecurity programs are effective, efficient, and compliant can feel overwhelming. Yet, strong oversight is essential to protecting public assets, maintaining trust, and ensuring operational continuity.

Oversight doesn’t mean elected officials must manage every technical detail. Instead, staff should regularly report on key cybersecurity metrics and activities, enabling leadership to make informed decisions and allocate resources strategically.

Key Oversight Responsibilities

Effective oversight should focus on the following areas:

  • Program Assessment: Regularly evaluate the cybersecurity program’s effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Risk Management: Identify and prioritize risks, and ensure mitigation strategies are in place.
  • Compliance Monitoring: Track adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
  • Incident Response Readiness: Review and test the incident response plan to ensure rapid containment and recovery.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Ensure a plan exists to communicate with internal and external stakeholders during and after an incident.
  • Training and Awareness: Confirm that employees receive ongoing cybersecurity education tailored to their roles.

Staffing and Expertise

A key success factor is hiring the right talent—cybersecurity professionals who can implement controls, monitor threats, and communicate risks clearly to leadership. Given the national cybersecurity talent shortage, many governments turn to third-party providers to fill technical gaps, offer independent oversight, and support interim needs.

Whether in-house or outsourced, cybersecurity oversight requires a blend of technical expertise and strategic insight.

Establishing a Cybersecurity Framework

A strong cybersecurity program begins with a well-defined framework. This sets the foundation for governance, risk management, and operational practices. Common frameworks include:

  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): Focuses on five core functions—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover.
  • CIS Controls: Offers 20 prioritized controls proven to reduce cyber risk.
  • ISO 27001: Provides a global standard for managing sensitive information.
  • COBIT: Focuses on IT governance and service delivery.
  • Cyber Resilience Review (CRR): A DHS-developed tool for assessing organizational resilience.

The choice of framework should reflect the agency’s size, complexity, and regulatory environment.

Conducting a Risk Assessment

Risk assessments help identify vulnerabilities and threats across systems, applications, and networks. Key steps include:

  1. Define scope and assets.
  2. Identify internal and external threats.
  3. Assess vulnerabilities.
  4. Analyze and prioritize risks.
  5. Develop and test mitigation plans.
  6. Review and update assessments regularly.

Cyber insurance should also be reviewed to ensure coverage for significant breaches.

Implementing Security Controls

Security controls are the technical backbone of any cybersecurity program. Implementation should follow a structured process:

  • Define and select controls.
  • Assess current environment.
  • Develop and execute an implementation plan.
  • Train staff on control usage.
  • Monitor, test, and update controls regularly.

Controls may include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and access management tools.

Monitoring and Testing

Continuous monitoring and testing are essential to maintaining a strong security posture. Activities include:

  • Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
  • Phishing simulations and awareness training.
  • Incident response exercises.
  • Compliance audits and log reviews.

These efforts help detect threats early and validate the effectiveness of existing defenses.

Responding to Incidents

Even with strong defenses, incidents can occur. A well-defined incident response plan should include:

  • Preparation and role assignment.
  • Identification and containment.
  • Mitigation and recovery.
  • Reporting and stakeholder communication.
  • Post-incident analysis and improvement.

Regular testing ensures readiness and minimizes disruption during real events.

Training and Awareness

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Training should be role-specific and ongoing. Examples include:

  • Phishing awareness and password hygiene.
  • Internet and remote access policies.
  • Incident reporting procedures.
  • Security awareness campaigns.

Regular updates and refreshers help maintain vigilance across the organization.

Oversight of a cybersecurity program requires more than technical know-how—it demands strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and continuous improvement. By establishing a framework, conducting risk assessments, implementing controls, and fostering a culture of awareness, state and local governments can build resilient cybersecurity programs that protect public assets and serve their communities.

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Planning & Policy

Cybersecurity Laws Every Local Government Should Know

As local governments expand their digital services and manage increasing volumes of sensitive data, understanding cybersecurity laws and regulations becomes essential. These laws are designed to protect public information, ensure transparency, and reduce risk across critical infrastructure and public-facing systems.

While some regulations apply nationwide, many cybersecurity laws are state-specific and subject to frequent updates. Municipal leaders must stay informed and consult legal counsel or state regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with the laws applicable in their jurisdiction. Staying current is key to avoiding penalties and building resilient cybersecurity programs that align with both federal and state requirements.

Below is an overview of key cybersecurity laws and standards that local governments and affiliated organizations should be familiar with:

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Jurisdiction: United States
HIPAA sets national standards for protecting health information. It applies to healthcare providers, insurers, and any entity handling patient data.
Key Provisions:

  • Requires security safeguards for health information.
  • Mandates breach notification and penalties for non-compliance.
  • Grants patients rights to access and correct their records.

Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA)

Jurisdiction: United States
FISMA mandates that federal agencies and contractors secure their information systems using a risk-based approach aligned with NIST standards.
Key Provisions:

  • Establishes security requirements for federal systems.
  • Requires annual assessments and reporting.
  • Aligns with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.

State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act of 2021

Jurisdiction: United States
This law supports state and local governments with resources to strengthen cybersecurity and defend critical infrastructure.
Key Provisions:

  • Provides grants for cybersecurity improvements.
  • Enhances defense against infrastructure threats.
  • Encourages collaboration across government levels.

Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA)

Jurisdiction: United States
CIRCIA requires timely reporting of cyber incidents and ransomware payments by critical infrastructure entities.
Key Provisions:

  • Cyber incidents must be reported within 72 hours.
  • Ransomware payments must be reported within 24 hours.
  • Supports federal tracking and response efforts.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

Jurisdiction: United States
GLBA governs how financial institutions collect, use, and protect consumer financial data.
Key Provisions:

  • Requires data security and privacy policies.
  • Regulates data sharing and disclosure practices.

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

Jurisdiction: Global
PCI DSS sets security standards for organizations handling payment card data.
Key Provisions:

  • Requires encryption and secure transmission protocols.
  • Mandates regular security assessments and audits.

Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014

Jurisdiction: United States
This act promotes cybersecurity R&D and public-private collaboration to protect critical infrastructure.
Key Provisions:

  • Encourages joint efforts between government and industry.
  • Supports development of cybersecurity technologies.
  • Establishes national protection standards.

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

Jurisdiction: California
CCPA gives residents control over their personal data and applies to businesses meeting certain thresholds.
Key Provisions:

  • Right to access, delete, and opt out of data sale.
  • Requires disclosure of data collection practices.
  • Enforces penalties for mishandling personal data.

California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)

Jurisdiction: California
CPRA expands CCPA protections and establishes a dedicated enforcement agency.
Key Provisions:

  • Adds rights to correct inaccurate data.
  • Limits use of sensitive personal information.
  • Creates the California Privacy Protection Agency.

Cybersecurity compliance is a moving target. Local governments must stay informed, build governance structures that support accountability, and ensure that cybersecurity policies reflect current legal requirements. Understanding these laws is the first step toward building a secure, resilient digital environment for public service.

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Actionable Steps

What Good Cybersecurity Looks Like for Local Governments

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is not just a technical safeguard—it’s a cornerstone of public trust and operational continuity. For local governments, good cybersecurity means more than installing antivirus software or responding to threats as they arise. It’s about creating a proactive, strategic, and resilient approach that protects public services, sensitive data, and community confidence.

Municipalities face unique challenges: limited budgets, legacy systems, and growing digital demands. Yet, with the right governance and mindset, they can build cybersecurity programs that are not only effective but sustainable. So, what does “good cybersecurity” actually look like in practice?

1. Risk-Driven Decision Making

Effective cybersecurity begins with understanding risk. Local governments must identify their most critical assets—emergency services, financial systems, citizen data—and prioritize protections based on threat likelihood and impact. This means moving beyond generic checklists and tailoring strategies to the specific risks facing each department and service.

2. Adaptive and Responsive Systems

Cyber threats evolve quickly. Good cybersecurity programs are flexible enough to respond to new vulnerabilities, emerging technologies, and changing operational needs. This includes regularly updating policies, patching systems, and adjusting access controls to reflect current realities.

3. Proactive Prevention

Prevention is always more cost-effective than recovery. Strong cybersecurity programs focus on stopping incidents before they happen—through layered defenses, continuous monitoring, and employee training. This includes phishing simulations, endpoint protection, and network segmentation to reduce the blast radius of any potential breach.

4. Clear Roles and Shared Responsibility

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. From elected officials to frontline staff, everyone plays a role. Good programs define responsibilities clearly—whether through a dedicated cybersecurity officer, cross-departmental governance committees, or vendor oversight. This clarity ensures accountability and reduces gaps in coverage.

5. Measurable Performance

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Good cybersecurity includes metrics for performance—such as incident response times, patching rates, and training completion. These indicators help leaders monitor progress, identify weaknesses, and make informed decisions about resource allocation.

6. Collaboration and Communication

Local governments don’t operate in isolation. Good cybersecurity involves sharing threat intelligence with regional partners, state agencies, and trusted networks. It also means communicating clearly with the public—especially in the event of a breach—to maintain transparency and trust.

7. Continuous Learning and Awareness

Cybersecurity is not a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing process. Good programs invest in continuous education for both technical staff and decision-makers. This includes staying current on best practices, participating in training, and fostering a culture of vigilance across departments.

Why It Matters

When cybersecurity is strong, local governments can:

  • Deliver uninterrupted public services.
  • Protect sensitive data from misuse.
  • Avoid costly breaches and reputational damage.
  • Build public confidence in digital systems.

Ultimately, good cybersecurity is not just about technology—it’s about leadership, strategy, and community resilience.

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Actionable Steps Budgeting & Resources

Barriers & Gaps in Local Government Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is no longer a niche concern—it’s a foundational element of public service delivery. Yet many local governments remain vulnerable to evolving threats due to persistent and interconnected barriers. These challenges—funding, staffing, leadership, and awareness—are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they reinforce one another. Addressing them holistically is key to building resilient, secure communities.

Insufficient Funding

Limited budgets continue to be one of the most cited reasons municipalities lag in cybersecurity. In many cases, cybersecurity is still viewed as an optional add-on rather than a core infrastructure investment—like roads, water systems, or emergency services.

This mindset must change. Cybersecurity protects the digital infrastructure that underpins nearly every public function, from permitting and payroll to emergency alerts and public records. Without adequate funding, municipalities are forced to rely on outdated systems, under-resourced teams, and reactive strategies. Treating cybersecurity as infrastructure—and funding it accordingly—is essential to long-term resilience.

Workforce Shortages and Skills Gaps

The global shortage of cybersecurity professionals affects every sector, but local governments are especially hard-hit. They often struggle to compete with private-sector salaries and benefits, making it difficult to attract and retain qualified talent.

Beyond staffing numbers, there’s also a skills mismatch. Many existing employees lack the specialized training needed to respond to modern threats like ransomware, phishing, and cloud vulnerabilities. Upskilling staff is critical—but training budgets are often limited or nonexistent.

To address this, municipalities must invest in local talent development, create career pathways in cybersecurity, and explore regional partnerships to share expertise and resources.

Leadership Engagement and Misunderstandings

Cybersecurity is not just an IT problem—it’s a strategic leadership issue. Yet many local leaders still view it as something technical staff handle in isolation. This disconnect can lead to blind spots in governance, leaving agencies exposed to preventable risks.

When cybersecurity is underestimated, the consequences are severe: halted services, lost public trust, and costly recovery efforts. Embedding cybersecurity into executive decision-making—through regular briefings, cross-departmental coordination, and clear accountability—is essential.

Leaders must understand that cyber risk affects every aspect of public service, and their engagement is critical to building a culture of security.

Expanding Attack Surfaces

The shift to remote work, cloud-based tools, and mobile access has dramatically expanded the threat landscape. Traditional network boundaries no longer apply. Every laptop, smartphone, and remote login is now a potential entry point for attackers.

This decentralization makes it harder to monitor activity, enforce policies, and respond to incidents. Municipalities must rethink their security architecture to account for this new reality—implementing endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring across all devices and platforms.

These barriers are not insurmountable—but they require coordinated, strategic action. When funding improves, staffing can follow. When leadership engages, awareness grows. When cybersecurity is treated as infrastructure, resilience becomes possible.

Local governments must move beyond reactive fixes and embrace a governance model that integrates cybersecurity into every decision. The risks are real—but so are the opportunities to build safer, smarter communities.

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Planning & Policy

Defining and Structuring IT and Cybersecurity Roles for Local Governments

As local governments modernize their operations and expand digital services, the need for clear, well-structured roles in IT and cybersecurity has never been more urgent. From online permitting platforms to cloud-based data systems, municipalities are increasingly reliant on technology to deliver public services. But with this reliance comes risk—and the responsibility to manage it effectively.

One of the most important steps in building cyber resilience is clarifying the distinction between IT and cybersecurity functions. While these domains are closely related, they serve fundamentally different purposes and must be structured accordingly.

Why Role Clarity Matters

Strong governance depends on clear role definitions. When IT and cybersecurity responsibilities are blurred, security can be compromised by operational urgency or budget constraints. For example, if a city launches a new online permitting system, the IT team may focus on uptime and user experience, while cybersecurity professionals ensure that sensitive resident data is encrypted, access is controlled, and third-party risks are assessed.

This separation allows cybersecurity teams to assess risk independently and advocate for protections that may not align with short-term operational goals—but are essential for long-term resilience.

Structuring Roles: A Governance-Aligned Approach

The Enterprise Governance of Information and Technology (EGIT) framework provides a model for structuring IT and cybersecurity roles in a way that supports strategic alignment and risk-informed decision-making.

1. Functional Separation

  • IT Departments: Focus on deploying and maintaining technology systems that support operations.
  • Cybersecurity Teams: Focus on protecting data, systems, and infrastructure from threats.

This separation ensures that cybersecurity professionals can operate without being subordinated to project timelines or budget pressures.

2. Leadership Accountability

Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it’s a leadership responsibility. Elected officials, department heads, and senior executives must recognize that cyber risk affects their ability to deliver services and maintain public trust.

3. Defined Responsibilities Across Roles

Every employee in local government has a role in cybersecurity—from locking devices and reporting suspicious activity to completing training and following data protection protocols.

Examples of Role Definitions

RolePrimary FocusKey Responsibilities
IT DirectorOperational technologySystem uptime, software deployment, vendor management
Cybersecurity OfficerRisk managementThreat detection, incident response, policy enforcement
Department HeadsStrategic oversightAligning tech use with service goals, ensuring compliance
Frontline StaffDaily operationsFollowing security protocols, reporting incidents

Local governments must build governance structures that support both innovation and protection. By clearly defining and separating IT and cybersecurity roles, municipalities can:

  • Make unbiased, risk-informed decisions.
  • Respond more effectively to threats.
  • Build a culture of cybersecurity across all departments.
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Leadership & Governance Tools & Guidance

Cybersecurity Questions for Decision-Makers: A Checklist for Smarter Governance

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.

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Cybersecurity Basics

Why Hackers Hack: Understanding Cyber Threat Motivations

Cyberattacks are not random acts of digital vandalism—they are calculated, purposeful, and often deeply strategic. To effectively defend against these threats, local governments must understand not just how hackers operate, but why they do it. The motivations behind cyberattacks are as diverse as the actors themselves, ranging from financial greed to ideological warfare.

Why Motivation Matters

To build stronger defenses, local government leaders must not only know who is behind cyber incidents, but also why they occur:

  • Prioritize defenses based on threat likelihood.
  • Identify high-risk assets and systems.
  • Tailor incident response plans to attacker profiles.
  • Improve staff awareness and training.

Motivations Behind Cyber Threats

MotivationActorsWhat They DoExamples
Financial GainOrganized Crime, Cybercriminals, InsidersExtort money, steal data for resale, manipulate systems for profitRansomware (REvil, Conti), BEC scams, data breaches, cryptojacking
Political ActivismHacktivists, Nation-StatesTarget governments or corporations to advance political agendasWebsite defacement, leaks tied to causes (e.g., Flint water crisis, Ukraine conflict)
EspionageNation-States, Insiders, Foreign Intelligence ServicesSteal sensitive data or intellectual property for strategic advantageAPT10 targeting defense contractors, research theft
Terrorism & DisruptionCyber Terrorists, Nation-StatesAttack infrastructure to cause fear or instabilityPower grid sabotage, water system disruption
Ideological MotiveHacktivists, InsidersAttack perceived enemies of their beliefsData leaks targeting anti-abortion groups or political dissenters
Mischief & Thrill-SeekingScript KiddiesLaunch attacks for fun, curiosity, or recognitionDDoS attacks, website defacement, bragging rights
Retaliation & GrudgeInsiders, HacktivistsSeek revenge against organizations or individualsDisgruntled employees leaking data or sabotaging systems
Social ChangeHacktivistsPromote civil disobedience or social justiceAttacks tied to BLM, environmental protests, anti-censorship

Implications for Local Governments

Understanding the motivations behind cyberattacks is not just an academic exercise—it’s a practical necessity for local government leaders. Each motivation corresponds to different tactics, targets, and levels of sophistication. For example:

  • Financially motivated attackers may exploit vulnerabilities in payment systems, tax databases, or procurement platforms.
  • Politically motivated actors might target law enforcement, election systems, or public health departments to make a statement or disrupt operations.
  • Insiders with grievances could misuse access to leak sensitive data or sabotage systems from within.

This diversity in threat profiles means that a one-size-fits-all approach to cybersecurity is insufficient. Local governments must tailor their defenses to the specific risks they face, based on the motivations most likely to target their operations.

Turning Insight into Action

To effectively counter these threats, municipalities should adopt a motivation-aware cybersecurity strategy. Here are key steps to consider:

1. Threat Modeling Based on Motivation

Map out which motivations are most relevant to your organization. For example, if your agency handles sensitive personal data, financial gain and espionage may be top concerns. If your work intersects with controversial public policies, ideological motives and hacktivism may be more likely.

2. Layered Defense Architecture

Implement multiple layers of security controls—technical, administrative, and physical—to protect against both external and internal threats. This includes firewalls, endpoint protection, access controls, and data encryption.

3. Insider Risk Management

Develop policies and monitoring systems to detect and prevent insider threats. This includes background checks, access reviews, and behavioral analytics to identify anomalies.

4. Staff Training and Awareness

Educate employees on the tactics used by different threat actors. Tailored training can help staff recognize phishing attempts, social engineering, and suspicious behavior.

5. Incident Response Planning

Prepare for different types of attacks by creating scenario-based response plans. A ransomware attack requires a different response than a politically motivated data leak or a DDoS attack launched for mischief.

Cybersecurity is not just about technology—it’s about understanding human intent. By recognizing the motivations behind cyberattacks, local governments can build smarter, more resilient defenses that protect public trust and ensure continuity of services.