Cybersecurity Threats on the Rise: State and Local Governments at Risk

Strategic Insights -

State and local governments are high on the list of prime targets for cyber attackers, with a notable example being the cyberattack that defrauded Baltimore of more than $1.5 million in 2023, and a 2019 attack that cost city taxpayers $18 million. A 72% jump in the number of data breaches worldwide in 2023 alone has left state and local governments asking themselves why they are so prone to cyberattacks and what can they do to prevent them.

Key Takeaways:

  • State and local governments have access to vast amounts of financial and personal data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals, who can monetize citizens' data on the dark web.
  • The numerous government agencies, many of which use the same software for operations, enable cyber attackers to scale broad-brush approaches like phishing emails to probe for vulnerabilities.
  • Government agencies are more connected than ever before, opening the door for supply chain attacks.
  • State and local governments often lack the funding and trained workers needed to counter cyber threats and improve the overall security environment.
  • A new training program, the Cyber Workforce Accelerator, developed by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges and BCR Cyber, uses $7 million in grants to provide practical knowledge and cybersecurity experience to students through hands-on training on cyber ranges.
  • The program has facilitated procurement, configuration, and deployment of BCR Series 3000 Cyber Ranges for each of the state's 16 community colleges, enabling both new students and mid-career professionals to complete approximately 40 hours of training for their capstone work and up to 10 hours of live, cyber range experience.
  • The Cyber Workforce Accelerator has the potential to serve as a national model for producing qualified cyber workers who have the practical knowledge and cybersecurity experience to hit the ground running.
  • The community colleges themselves are key to the success of the Cyber Workforce Accelerator, offering flexible learning options and serving a diverse student population, making it easier for industry partners to recruit and hire women and minorities.

Statistics:

  • 72% jump in the number of data breaches worldwide in 2023 alone.
  • Over $1.5 million defrauded from Baltimore in 2023.
  • $18 million cost to city taxpayers in 2019.
  • $7 million in grants provided for the Cyber Workforce Accelerator.
  • Approximately 40 hours of training for students for their capstone work.
  • Up to 10 hours of live, cyber range experience.
  • 83% of trained individuals successfully placed into employment.

Sources:

  • BCR Cyber (www.bcrcyber.com)
  • Baltimore Sun
  • Washington Post
  • Congressional earmark
  • Maryland Association of Community Colleges