Cybersecurity
How Iranian hackers pose a threat to US critical infrastructure
COMMENTARY | A cyberattack on a US corporation illustrates how state-aligned hackers operate, and how damage in war today isn’t always visible or geographically confined.
Why small municipalities have become cybercriminals' favorite prey
COMMENTARY | City and county managers can no longer see cybersecurity as an IT problem. They can take various practical steps before an incident occurs.
New Texas Cyber Command looks to ‘bind the state together’
The command went live in September, and must build an information-sharing and analysis center, a threat intelligence center, a digital forensics lab and an incident response unit.
Stryker hack could set stage for more pro-Iran cyber sabotage
Attacks like the one on the Michigan-based medical tech company could indicate that bad actors are expanding their targets to these shores.
Experts warn of coming ‘reprioritization’ for cyber funding
A popular federal grant program looks unlikely to be replenished, they said, so states must start thinking differently about how they want to fund their cybersecurity efforts.
Feds pledge beefed up information-sharing amid new cyber strategy
Administration officials also promised a stronger focus on protecting critical infrastructure and bolstering the cyber workforce during a series of talks at a summit this week.
Report: States are taking a cautious approach to agentic AI
The new phase of AI has piqued tech leaders’ interest, but a recent report indicates that they are still trying to understand the technology first.
Iran-linked hacktivists could target governments, experts warn
State and local governments and some crucial technology infrastructure are among the key retaliatory targets as hostilities escalate in the Middle East.
Why quantum security must be on every CIO’s 2026 priority list
COMMENTARY | The consequences of a quantum-backed cyberattack could be tremendous, especially if they target critical infrastructure. Too many states have not planned ahead.
Leaders sound the alarm for physical and cyber attacks ahead of summer World Cup
A lack of federal grant funding and information sharing could hamper preparations, they said, and leave cities vulnerable to physical or cyberattacks when games get underway.
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Rethinking how state and local cyber teams are built and supported
COMMENTARY | To stay ahead, we must address how we build and support teams while leveraging technology to defend our critical infrastructure.
‘It’s not over’: Cyber info-sharing center begins ‘next chapters’ after losing federal funding
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center now has 24 states and 3,000 individual organizations as dues-paying members after losing federal funding, a leader said.
The shifting cybersecurity mandate for states
COMMENTARY | Federal retrenchment means states must step up with funding and resources in a more complex environment. Multi-year federal funding can reduce some of those burdens.
Maine secretary of state reflects on a tumultuous period
Shenna Bellows has lived through federal demands for voter data, ICE raids, doxing and more. But with this year’s midterm elections fast approaching, there’s more to do.
After North Carolina cyberattacks, IT officials warn General Assembly of poor preparedness
The state’s systems face more than 10 billion attack attempts each month, a top cybersecurity official told lawmakers.
Super Bowl gears up for massive security operation
While immigration officials will reportedly not be present at the San Francisco game this weekend, a raft of federal, state and local agencies will be on site to keep the event safe from various threats.
Virginia to consider joining states creating volunteer cyber civilian corps
A proposed volunteer group would help local governments fend off cyber attacks and security breaches.
Election officials say trust with CISA is broken — and may not come back
States once embraced federal election security help. Now many say politicization and pullbacks have shattered that partnership.
House explores grid cybersecurity boosts amid growing threats
Several bills would reauthorize programs designed to protect energy infrastructure from nation-states and other threats while helping publicly owned utilities defend themselves and share information.
‘Reckoning’ coming in state and local cyber
This year brought all manner of uncertainty about the relationship with the federal government to defend against threats. Next year looks to be more of the same, albeit with more intense threats.
