Author Archive
Jenni Bergal
Cybersecurity
How common are ransomware attacks? Lawmakers want to find out.
States are starting to require agencies to report all cyberattacks, including ransomware, to improve overall defenses.
Cybersecurity
Natural disasters can set the stage for cyberattacks
Hackers launching an attack that coincides with a natural disaster could greatly hamper first responders, hospitals, utilities and government agencies and create a domino effect involving loss of electrical power, water, telecommunications and other infrastructure.
Cybersecurity
Biden signs school cybersecurity bill
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is tasked with studying the cyber risks facing elementary and secondary schools and developing recommendations to assist schools in facing those risks.
Cybersecurity
Expired driver’s licenses open lane for cybercriminals
Fraudsters are sending out emails and texts saying that an expired driver’s license must be updated and directing victims to online forms that collect personal information such as a Social Security numbers and dates of birth.
Cybersecurity
States weigh bans on ransomware payoffs
While prohibiting ransom payments could help deter attacks, some cybersecurity experts say it’s a bad idea because local governments, particularly smaller ones, may not be able to restore or rebuild their computer networks quickly, resulting in more costs and disruption than paying a ransom.
Cybersecurity
Hackers threaten to release police records, knock 911 offline
Ransomware attacks have taken down 911 systems, prevented officers from checking suspects’ criminal histories during traffic stops and blocked access to investigative files or video, impeding investigations. In some cases, prosecutors have had to drop criminal cases.
Cybersecurity
Florida hack exposes danger to water systems
Utilities should update software, provide training and assess what software and hardware they use -- as well as their cyber-physical vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity
Hackers seized on the pandemic. Some states are fighting back.
Rocked by the massive SolarWinds hack, unemployment system breaches and other attacks, several states are trying to bolster their cybersecurity in the midst of the public health crisis.
Cybersecurity
Cybercriminals strike schools amid pandemic
School IT staffs have been consumed with transitioning teachers, staff and families to virtual learning, making districts even more vulnerable to hackers, experts say.
Cybersecurity
Hospital hackers seize upon coronavirus pandemic
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, cybersecurity experts say they have seen an uptick in attempted ransomware and other hacking attempts on hospitals, health care systems, clinical labs and research centers.
Cybersecurity
Cybercriminals seek profit in coronavirus
Government officials in some states have alerted staffers and the public about the threat of coronavirus-based phishing emails and have stepped up monitoring for malicious email.
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Cybersecurity
Ransomware attacks prompt tough question for local officials: To pay or not to pay?
Some local governments pay ransoms because they need their data back quickly and might not have the expertise or resources to do it themselves. Others say they refuse to be extorted, and some municipalities wind up in the middle.
Cybersecurity
With cybercriminals on the attack, states help cities punch back
The majority of publicized ransomware attacks in the United States last year targeted local governments.
Management
Getting the boot in high-tech fashion
Cities and counties using self-release "SmartBoots" speed up and improve the collection of delinquent parking tickets and make it easier for motorists to pay and go.
Cybersecurity
As states lag on cyber training, agencies are fertile phishing grounds
Training won’t stop every data breach, but it teaches staffers how to detect irregularities and report them.
Cybersecurity
Could plastic driver’s licenses become a thing of the past?
Despite privacy concerns, many officials envision people using digital licenses not only for traffic stops and airport ID but also in bars, banks, doctor’s offices and as voter ID at polling places.
Management
Inspect a drainage ditch? There’s an app for that
State inspectors have turned to mobile apps, which are saving some of them hours a day and millions of taxpayer dollars.
Cybersecurity
More states appoint chief privacy officers to protect people’s data
To ensure the public's trust, more states are hiring privacy officers who understand the rules and risks around the release of personal information.
Emerging Tech
Another use for drones: Investigating car wrecks
Police are turning to unmanned aerial vehicles to take high-resolution photos for creating 3D models used by crash investigators.
Cybersecurity
How hackers could cause chaos on America's roads and railways
Transportation systems are ripe targets for cybercriminals, and many government officials are only now waking up to the threat.
