A guide to best cybersecurity practices for local governments and utilities

In an increasingly digital world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and the consequences of a breach can be devastating. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best practices of cybersecurity, helping organizations to protect their digital assets and maintain the trust of their stakeholders.

Understanding cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes. Implementing effective cybersecurity measures is particularly challenging today because there are more devices than people, and attackers are becoming more innovative.?

Best practices for cybersecurity

Risk assessment and management

A thorough risk assessment is the foundation of any cybersecurity strategy. Organizations must identify their critical assets, evaluate potential threats, and assess the vulnerabilities that could be exploited by these threats. By understanding the risks, organizations can prioritize their cybersecurity efforts and allocate resources more effectively.

Strong password policies

Passwords are often the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Implementing strong password policies is essential. This includes using complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters, regularly updating passwords, and not reusing passwords. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.

Regular software updates

Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered. It is crucial to regularly update all software, including operating systems and applications, to protect against known threats. Enabling automated update processes can help ensure that updates are applied promptly.

Employee training and awareness

Human error is a significant factor in many cybersecurity incidents, and with great reason, as cyber attackers have become very sophisticated with their tactics. Regular training and awareness programs can help employees recognize potential threats and understand their role in protecting organizational assets. Topics should include phishing attacks, social engineering, safe browsing practices, and the importance of following security protocols.

Data encryption

Data encryption converts data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. This is particularly important for sensitive information that is transmitted over the internet or stored on portable devices. Encryption should be used for data at rest (stored data), data in use (actively accessed data), and data in transit (data being transmitted).

Network security

Securing the network is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. This includes using firewalls to block unauthorized access, implementing intrusion detection and prevention systems, and segmenting the network to limit the impact of a breach. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can also be used to secure remote access to the network.

Incident response planning

Despite the best preventive measures, incidents may still occur. Having a well-defined incident response plan ensures that organizations can respond quickly and effectively to minimize the impact. The plan should include steps for identifying and containing the breach, eradicating the threat, recovering systems, and communicating with stakeholders.

Regular backups

Regular backups are essential to recover data in the event of a ransomware attack, hardware failure, or other data-loss incidents. Backups should be stored securely, preferably in multiple locations, and periodically tested to ensure they can be restored successfully.

Access control

Implementing strict access controls helps ensure that only authorized individuals have access to critical systems and data. This involves defining user roles and permissions, using least privilege principles, and regularly reviewing access rights to identify and remove unnecessary privileges.

Monitoring and logging

Continuous monitoring and logging of network and system activities can help detect suspicious behavior and potential security breaches. Logs should be regularly reviewed and analyzed to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate an attack.?

Emerging trends in cybersecurity for utilities and local governments?

The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and staying informed about emerging trends is essential for maintaining robust security measures. Some of the current trends include:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are increasingly being used to enhance cybersecurity. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies, detect threats in real-time, and automate responses to mitigate risks.

Zero Trust Architecture

The Zero Trust model is based on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This approach requires strict verification for every user and device attempting to access resources, regardless of their location. Implementing Zero Trust Architecture helps reduce the attack surface and limit the impact of potential breaches.

Cloud security

As organizations continue to migrate to cloud services, securing cloud environments has become a top priority. This includes ensuring proper configuration, implementing strong access controls, and using encryption to protect data stored in the cloud.

Internet of Things (IoT) security

The proliferation of IoT devices (a network of devices that are connected to the internet and can communicate with each other and with the cloud) has introduced new security challenges. These devices often lack robust security features and can be easily compromised. Implementing IoT security measures, such as network segmentation, regular updates, and strong authentication, is crucial to protect against IoT-related threats.

Privacy regulations

Data privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), have significant implications for cybersecurity. Organizations must comply with these regulations, which often require implementing stringent security measures to protect personal data.

State regulatory requirements

State regulatory requirements, such as the recent Florida statute?for cybersecurity compliance, known as the “State Cybersecurity Act,” mandates that state agencies adopt stringent cybersecurity measures to protect digital assets, data, and information technology resources. While mandated by the state, these requirements are also being passed down to local municipalities and utilities for mandatory compliance. These standards must align with generally accepted technology best practices, including the National Institute for Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework. The statute also requires the development of a statewide cybersecurity strategic plan, regular updates to cybersecurity measures, and comprehensive incident response protocols. Additionally, state agencies must provide regular training to employees on cybersecurity best practices and report all cybersecurity incidents to the Florida Digital Service and the Cybercrime Office of the Department of Law Enforcement. While Florida is leading the way for regulatory compliance requirements, other states are expected to follow in the near future. Failure to show progress toward compliance may result in heavy financial penalties for state agencies, local municipalities, and utilities alike.?

High-profile breaches?

In the past year, water utilities have faced several significant cyber incidents that have highlighted the vulnerabilities within this critical infrastructure sector. These incidents have underscored the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect water systems from potential threats.?

Example 1

In March 2024, a utility on the West Coast experienced a cyber-attack that targeted its SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. The attack temporarily disrupted the monitoring and control of water treatment processes. The utility quickly isolated the breach and restored normal operations while strengthening its cybersecurity measures.?

Example 2

In August 2024, a major utility in the eastern US experienced a phishing attack that compromised employee credentials. The attackers gained access to sensitive data, including operational information. The utility responded by enhancing its cybersecurity training and deploying multi-factor authentication to prevent future breaches.?

Example 3?

In October 2024, a water utility in the southern US faced a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack that overwhelmed its network with traffic, causing significant service disruptions. While water delivery remained unaffected, the attack highlighted the need for improved network defenses.?

The above list shows only a small snapshot of the many known incidents that have been reported; however, many go unreported due to the concern of reputational damage. These incidents illustrate the increasing impact of cyber incidents on water utilities and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard public health and safety. As water utilities continue to modernize and integrate digital technologies, the focus on cybersecurity must remain a top priority to prevent and mitigate future incidents.?

Key takeaways?

Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of modern business operations. By following best practices and staying informed about emerging trends, organizations can protect their digital assets, maintain the trust of their stakeholders, and ensure long-term success. Implementing the key practices outlined here requires a continuous effort and commitment to stay ahead of evolving threats.?

For more information on cybersecurity best practices, contact Andrew Fedson at [email protected].??