Just as every great Halloween movie gets a sequel, it’s only fitting that our seasonal-themed security blog post does too.

Our first Ghosting Hosting Blog Post highlighted the importance of practicing vigilance when it comes to cybersecurity. Digital threats continue to evolve, but one thing remains the same for local governments, being prepared—just like on Halloween night—is the best thing you can do to fend off any unwanted tricksters.

With National Cybersecurity Awareness Month taking place every October, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how well your organization is safeguarding its operations. In this post, we’ll review the current state of cybersecurity in the local government space, share best practices, and spotlight the benefits of utilizing a hosted server to protect your local government’s data.

A Nightmare on Cyber Street: Local Government Attacks of 2024

Did you know there are more than 4,000 Elm Streets throughout America? Chances are, one is in your local government’s jurisdiction.

Statistics indicate that a cybercriminal might be just as close to your operations.

According to a study released by Sophos in 2023, the rate of ransomware attacks on state and local governments increased from 58% to 69% year over year, per the respondent sample size. In the updated report released for 2024, cyberattack rates among respondents were slightly reduced, but the mean cost associated with recovery from a ransomware attack on state/local government entities was $2.83M, more than double the prior year.

Overall, cyberattacks on local governments were prevalent throughout 2024. Both Cleveland and Columbus, OH experienced devastating security breaches. American Water Works in NJ; Apex, NC; Kansas City, MO; and Wichita, KS also all experienced substantial attacks that caused a disruption of utility services.

Even some of our non-hosted clients experienced tech-related terrors.

One customer needed an emergency migration due to a cybersecurity event that compromised their data. They were still operating on old platforms from 2008. Within 24 hours, we were in communication with the client to perform a successful migration. Ultimately, they opted to switch to our hosting solution, so they no longer had to worry about updates as they are automatically applied with this service. We have seen this scenario occur many times, and based on our IT team’s collective experience, outdated hardware and aging on-premise servers are the prime culprits that expose local governments to cybersecurity breaches such as ransomware and malware.

Another client faced a severe phishing attack when a city manager’s user account was compromised. The attacker used the local government’s internal account to send out malicious emails, posing a significant security risk. Working closely with the client, Edmunds GovTech’s IT Team quickly intervened to shut down the threat and secure their system.

To avoid nightmares like these on your street, it’s best to slash outdated tech and upgrade to secure hosting.

The AI Menace: Cybercrime’s New Mask

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the newest accessory cybercriminals are adding to their disguise.

The 2024 Report on the Cybersecurity Posture of the United States highlights the current state of cyber defense efforts and threats nationwide. According to the report, the evolving landscape of AI poses a new substantial risk when it comes to cyber incidents. Local governments need to be aware of how cybercriminals may use AI to enhance their tactics, including empowering phishing attempts, exploiting data, and generating efficient multipronged schemes via advanced algorithms.

The Patch that Haunted the Nation

As we hop through this upside-down decade, stranger things continue to happen.

Earlier this year, a well-renowned cybersecurity company caused a great deal of fear in the tech space. According to an article from State Scoop, many industries across the nation—including state and local governments—experienced a horror in the form of widespread service outages stemming from a routine update that was improperly carved out by the company. The patch became as famous as a great pumpkin’s, capturing news headlines worldwide. Some might even say it was a case of good grief as it turned out to just be an internal error and nothing malicious. 

When Data Darkness Falls, Who You Gonna Call?

If the terror of a data disaster strikes, it can feel like a real thriller—leaving you walking in reverse, trying to undo the damage. But with our tailored solutions, designed to fit local governments like a glove, you won’t have to face the challenge alone. In tandem with our secure hosting services, our team is ready to fend off any smooth criminals, ensuring you stay protected against any cyber threats lurking in the dark.

We consider our cloud platform to be the Host with the Most, offering top-tier security, seamless integration, reliable backups, and scalability through Amazon. Since 2021, the number of our clients switching to a hosted environment has more than doubled. In fact, of the 800+ local government entities now utilizing our hosting services, we have had zero cybersecurity incidents reported. Thanks to our disaster recovery solutions and industry-leading support team, you can trust that your organization’s data is always protected from any digital hauntings. Our support personnel are also available through various channels, and you won’t need to say their name three times for them to magically appear—they’re always just a call or click away, ready to assist.

Tech Treats that Keep Data Safe – Benefits of Our Hosting Services:

For more information on our services, feel free to contact us at Info@EdmundsGovTech.com or visit our hosting page and security solutions page.

Happy Halloween, and enjoy Tech or Treat!