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That’s a wrap on the 2025 Cybersecurity Modernization Summit! ?? A huge thank you to our speakers, sponsors—Datadog, Sophos, and Wiz—and everyone who joined us for today’s conversations. The discussions don’t stop here—follow along with #CyberModSummit and catch event highlights on StateScoop.com & EdScoop.com. Want to keep up with the latest in state and local government tech? ?? Tune in to StateScoop’s Priorities Podcast at https://lnkd.in/eBmeW27t, and don’t forget to check out our upcoming events at statescoop.com/attend. See you online or at our next event! ?? #Cybersecurity #GovTech

At the 2025 Cybersecurity Modernization Summit, RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), outlined the escalating threats to U.S. infrastructure and the urgent need for action: ? China-backed cyber threats are evolving. Operations like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon show foreign adversaries actively mapping and penetrating U.S. infrastructure. ? State and local governments are high-risk targets. Tight budgets, aging systems, and a lack of access to capital leave them vulnerable to ransomware and cyber sabotage. ? Federal funding for cybersecurity is disappearing. State and local cybersecurity grant programs are being cut, with little chance of reauthorization. ? Key sectors are failing. Critical areas like K-12 education, water, and healthcare cybersecurity have received failing grades due to lack of funding and resources. ? CISA and cyber funding cuts could weaken national security. Montgomery warns that reducing cybersecurity budgets across federal agencies is a serious risk. "State and local cybersecurity officials are on the front lines. If this were the military, they would receive food, water, and air support. We need to fund them the same way." With nation-state cyberattacks increasing, the time for underfunded cybersecurity operations is over. It is time for a national commitment to protecting critical infrastructure. ?? Follow along using #CyberModSummit and catch event coverage here: https://lnkd.in/eg5ZSxDC #CriticalInfrastructure #CyberSecurity #StateGovernment #LocalGovernment #NationalSecurity

At the 2025 #CyberModSummit, Rob Lalumondier, VP - NA Enterprise & Public Sector at Sophos, delivered a powerful keynote on ransomware’s rapid evolution and the urgent need for resilience in government and education cybersecurity. ?? Government & education are the top ransomware targets—More than 77% of attacks on schools successfully encrypt data, far higher than other sectors. ?? Ransomware-as-a-service has lowered the barrier to entry—Even low-skilled hackers can now launch sophisticated attacks. ?? State-sponsored cyber threats are growing—Nation-state actors are using ransomware and wiper malware to disrupt critical infrastructure. ?? AI is a double-edged sword—While attackers use AI for phishing and deepfakes, defenders can leverage it for real-time threat detection and response. ?? Zero trust & cyber hygiene are essential—Organizations must assume every user and device is compromised, enforce MFA, patch vulnerabilities, and train staff to spot threats. ?? “Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting systems—it’s about safeguarding the trust that communities place in their governments and schools.” ?? Follow along using #CyberModSummit and catch event coverage here: https://lnkd.in/eg5ZSxDC #CyberSecurity #Ransomware #GovTech #ZeroTrust #AI #CyberResilience

At the 2025 Cybersecurity Modernization Summit, Adam Mikeal, CISO of Texas A&M University, shared how one of the largest R1 research universities in the U.S. balances openness, collaboration, and cybersecurity. ?? Higher ed has unique security challenges—With 80,000 students and $1.4 billion in research, Texas A&M must comply with nearly every federal security framework, from HIPAA to ITAR. ?? Security vs. academic openness—Universities thrive on collaboration, but security teams must find ways to protect data without blocking research. ?? Balancing security and flexibility—Texas A&M is reworking privilege elevation, giving faculty temporary admin rights while monitoring for risks in real time. ?? AI and automation are essential—Cyber teams must rely on AI and automation to detect and stop attacks before humans even see them. ?? “In higher ed, locking everything down isn’t an option—we have to secure research without stopping it.” ?? Follow along using #CyberModSummit and catch event coverage here: https://lnkd.in/eg5ZSxDC #CyberSecurity #HigherEd #ResearchSecurity #GovTech #AI #RiskManagement

Jason Snyder, CIO of Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Tony Sauerhoff, CISO of the State of Texas, shared how their states are tackling the cyber workforce shortage through internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on training programs. ?? 30% of state IT staff are over 60—A massive retirement wave is coming, and hiring experienced replacements isn’t sustainable. ?? High school & college programs—Texas is training students as early as ninth grade, offering certifications & real-world SOC experience before graduation. ?? Internships & apprenticeships—Massachusetts and Texas both offer structured mentorship and training, helping recruits transition into full-time cybersecurity roles. ?? Culture over compensation—While the private sector offers higher salaries, a mission-driven workplace and strong development programs keep top talent in government. ?? “If we build the right pipeline, we won’t need to compete for high-level talent—we’ll already be growing it from within.” ?? Follow along using #CyberModSummit and catch event coverage here: https://lnkd.in/eg5ZSxDC Texas Department of Information Resources?Executive Office of Technology Services and Security #CyberSecurity #GovTech #WorkforceDevelopment #CyberWorkforce #FutureOfWork

?? Cybersecurity funding is more critical than ever—but are cities and states getting what they need? At the 2025 Cybersecurity Modernization Summit, Greg McCarthy, CISM, PMP, CISO of the City of Boston, and Michael Watson, CISO of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, shared insights on the challenges of securing sustainable cyber funding for government agencies. ?? Funding gaps remain a major issue—Despite state and federal grants, many localities still struggle to secure consistent cybersecurity resources. ?? Shifting funding models—Programs like UASI and the State and Local Cyber Grant Program have changed how funds are allocated, often spreading resources thinner. ?? The risk-based funding dilemma—Should money go to high-risk urban areas or rural municipalities that lack basic cyber protections? Balancing these priorities is a challenge. ?? Long-term sustainability is key—Cyber funding can’t be a one-time grant—it must be built into ongoing budgets like other essential government services. ?? “Cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s a public safety issue. Just like fire and police services, it needs sustained funding to protect critical infrastructure and citizens.” ?? Follow along using #CyberModSummit and catch event coverage here: https://lnkd.in/eg5ZSxDC #CyberSecurity #GovTech #PublicSafety #ITFunding #RiskManagement