Cybersecurity in Local Government: Focusing on the Basics to Build a Robust Security Program

Augustine Boateng, Deputy Chief Information Officer at the City of Memphis

Augustine Boateng, Deputy Chief Information Officer at the City of Memphis

Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is imperative for local governments to deliver vital services to their citizens. With the increasing reliance on technology, the potential for cyber threats and attacks has heightened significantly, making it essential for local governments to prioritize developing and implementing comprehensive and proactive cybersecurity strategies. From my observation and involvement in the information technology sector of the local government, an emphasis is placed on obtaining the most current technological innovations. This priority is evident in implementing and upgrading various systems and software that aid in the efficient and effective execution of local government operations. The continuous pursuit of advanced technology aims to enhance service delivery, improve communication, and provide better solutions to meet the community's needs. However, in doing so, the essential and fundamental components of information technology, particularly cybersecurity, have been overlooked and neglected. This trend is concerning and requires immediate attention to ensure that systems and services that serve the citizens are secure and safe from potential threats.

The City of Memphis Information Technology Division has acknowledged the significance of concentrating on process enhancement and maximizing current solutions rather than constantly procuring new tools. In our pursuit of enhancing cybersecurity, we have prioritized building a robust security program by emphasizing fundamental aspects to mitigate risks and counter cyber threats efficiently. By adhering to these fundamental principles, we aim to ensure the highest level of protection for our systems and data.

‘A strong cybersecurity program for local government should focus on understanding the threat landscape, implementing foundational security practices, collaborating with other agencies, and having a well-defined incident response plan.’

Cybercriminals often target local governments, as they possess a vast amount of sensitive and valuable data, such as citizens' personal information and financial records. Therefore, local governments must prioritize implementing foundational security practices that will be the basis for a sturdy security program. Local governments can better safeguard their constituents' data and prevent devastating data breaches by taking proactive measures to secure their systems and networks.

At the core of every security program is the cybersecurity best practices that have proven effective on a global scale.

Some of the fundamental measures recommended to follow are:

1. Strong Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies for all users, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive accounts. Educate employees about the importance of creating unique and complex passwords.

2. Patch Management: Keep all software, applications, and systems updated with the latest security patches. Regularly applying patches minimizes the risk of known vulnerabilities being exploited.

3. Employee Training and Awareness: Invest in cybersecurity training for all staff members. Employees are often the weakest link in the security chain, and training can empower them to recognize and avoid common cyber threats like phishing attempts.

4. Network Segmentation: Network segmentation restricts access and prevents attacks from compromising the entire infrastructure.

5. Backup and Recovery: Regularly backup critical data and test the recovery process. In a cyber incident, having reliable backups can prevent data loss and minimize downtime.

In conclusion, a strong cybersecurity program for local government should focus on understanding the threat landscape, implementing foundational security practices, collaborating with other agencies, and having a well-defined incident response plan. These critical elements will enhance a government's ability to protect its data, infrastructure, and citizens from evolving cyber threats.