CYBERSECURITY: The Impact of Ransomware on Government
How State and Local Governments Can Strengthen their Security Posture
Cybersecurity will continue to be a hot topic as long as there are businesses and organizations are showing vulnerability. More recently local and state governments have faced an increasing number of cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. Much is at stake as breaches lead to extensive downtime and threaten the confidentiality of personal data, such as social security numbers, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, voter registration, immunization history, medical records, bank accounts, and credit card numbers of people and businesses.
With the added challenge of limited budgets, legacy IT applications, infrastructure and resource constraints, local and state government agencies have found themselves in a vulnerable, potentially dire situation when it comes to reducing security risks.
Targeted Phishing Attacks are a Growing Threat to State and Local Governments
A single mistaken click on an email URL redirecting an unsuspecting user to a fake website will lead to executing code to exploit a vulnerability. Security professionals all agree that a comprehensive security strategy is multi-faceted, incorporating perimeter hardening, end-user education, software patch management, and disaster recovery planning. It is also becoming more complex to prevent attacks from occurring proactively. Threats, like strains of ransomware, adapt as prevention measures mature and new technologies emerge making it difficult for state and local governments, especially with limited resources, to remain ahead of the criminals. However, the problem needs to be addressed head-on.
How to Effectively Combat Threats
The first line of defense against cyberthreats is patch management. The types of services your agency may need include: Vulnerability Assessments & Management, Patch Assessments & Management, Secure Configuration Assessments, Application Security Testing, Compliance Assessments & Management, and Business Continuity Solutions.
Automating patch management with a reliable solution and working with an outsourced trusted solution provider who can provide easy and user-friendly reports, brings clear visibility to the sites and devices with the highest risk so something can be done before an attack occurs.
Paul Jackson, CEO/Cybersecurity Specialist and his entire team at Jackson Technologies are here to provide you with an effective cybersecurity solution. Working with us as your strategic partner - we can implement the right solutions to reduce security risks and work proactively on your behalf to prevent downtime, keep your valuable citizen data safe, and maintain your best interests.