Government actions, including the American Rescue Plan Act, have led to a deluge of federal funds to states over the past few months. Additionally, the federal government is using a $1 billion allocation for technology modernization and cybersecurity. These funds are vitally needed, and many anticipate that more funding is on the horizon.
While strengthening cybersecurity and data protection is a top priority at both the federal and state levels, state and local governments often face tighter budgets and more limited staffing, particularly around IT and cybersecurity.
Most states spend less than 3 percent of their total IT budgets on cybersecurity, according to Deloitte. The result is that state agencies are often left vulnerable to cyberattacks.
This has been vividly illustrated throughout the coronavirus pandemic. State and local governments have seen plummeting tax revenues, business closures, record unemployment rates and rising healthcare costs. They are faced with new funding requirements to safely reopen schools and businesses. Nearly all budget areas are taking a hit to make up the difference. This creates a dangerous conundrum, as cybercrime is on the rise. State and local governments are prime targets for ransomware attacks, and it’s critical they continuously strengthen their defenses.
States Follow Federal Footsteps on Cybersecurity
States including Texas are taking steps to combat these attacks and ensure better cyber defenses. Texas recently ..
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