State and local governments’ role as custodians of sensitive resident data has made them primary targets and victims of cyberattacks. Leaders urgently need assistance in assessing security, workforce and funding challenges, especially as ransomware attacks have become more frequent and complex.

Local entities are even more vulnerable than state governments given their lack of resources and specialized staff, so ongoing support from their state leadership is imperative in cyber risk management. The question arises: How can both levels of government fortify their resilience against looming threats?