Cybersecurity Resilience for your Municipality

Operational technology (OT) security is crucial for local government because modern counties, cities and towns rely heavily on a complex network of interconnected systems and devices that are powered by OT. These systems include everything from traffic lights, public transportation, and energy grids to water treatment plants, emergency response systems, and more.

If these systems are compromised by cyberattacks or other security breaches, it could lead to serious consequences for public safety, public health, and the economy. For example, an attack on a city’s transportation system could lead to widespread disruptions and chaos on the roads, while an attack on the water treatment plant could compromise the quality and safety of the city’s water supply.

As the attack surface continues to expand, local governments need to become more proactive to protect critical infrastructure in order to ensure citizens are safe. It’s a challenge to local governments which tend to be resource constrained. But there are ways to overcome some of these resource challenges. First, governments can partner with private companies to help bridge the skills gap. Whether it be through threat intelligence sharing, training, technology or managed services. It’s also vital that local governments consider federal funding available via Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other grant programs.

IIJA is often viewed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in roads, bridges, dams, water/wastewater, broadband and more. The convergence of IT and OT require that investments in infrastructure must incorporate cybersecurity in order to protect citizens.

According to a recent article by Jim Richberg, Public Sector Field CISO for Fortinet, “Resilient cybersecurity is needed to defend infrastructures against threats to OT and IT systems. Otherwise, the growing interconnectedness of infrastructures leaves us all more vulnerable to cascading failures that can quickly spread across multiple sectors and regions. Clearly, investing in cybersecurity to protect America’s infrastructure must be a high-priority requirement in any project’s plans, especially in our hyperconnected world.” https://www.fortinet.com/solutions/industries/government/state-and-local

For more information about how to better plan for cybersecurity with infrastructure investments, tune in to hear an interview with CyberScoop’s Wyatt Kash interview Jim Richberg. The two discuss the increased need for sharing threat intelligence, and steps you should consider as the wave of federal infrastructure funding begins flowing to local officials.

With proper planning and strong partnerships with the private sector, local governments can move forward with confidence that they are helping to make stronger and safer infrastructure for New Hampshire.

Secure Your Operational Technologies With Government Funding Webinar

12:00 noon - 1:00 pm, Wednesday, May 10, 2023 https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D32JeYJATJ-VkXuNVc5uuA#/registration

The rise in cyberattacks against critical infrastructure affects consumers, government agencies, and institutions. Compromised critical infrastructure can risk public safety and service availability for citizens. Risks such as public transit service outages, contaminated water supplies, disabled emergency communication systems, and even lifethreatening power outages can lead to societal chaos and even potential loss of life.

As public services modernize, more internet-of-things (IoT) devices connect to the network improving efficiency while also broadening the attack surface increasing the risk of cyberattack. Keeping citizen services available and safe from attack requires funding to improve cybersecurity. How do you prioritize security among other competing initiatives?

Grant funding is the answer. There are several traditional grants and stimulus funds available to protect critical infrastructure. As smart cities become more prevalent and systems become interconnected, these investments are necessary across all sectors. Whether you operate transit systems, ports, energy grids, 911 and public safety communications, or public water facilities, you can leverage grants to make necessary investments in cybersecurity.

Join Mike Lauer, Director of Fortinet Public Sector Programs, to learn about funding resources for critical infrastructure. We will learn what Operational Technologies (OT) is and the challenges and needs of securing OT. We will learn about best grant options and tips to secure funding, as well as best practices around implementing these projects. If your organization operates or accesses critical infrastructure systems, you will not want to miss this informational event!

Member Highlight: Classified Ads Postings

NHMA offers an online job and/or classified ad postings at www.nhmunicipal.org

Member Highlight: Classified Ads Postings

NHMA offers an online job and/or classified ad postings at www.nhmunicipal.org.

The postings are available to members without a charge and appear on the website for up to two months, or less, depending on your schedule. This can include job postings, bids, for sale items, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and Request for Qualifications (RFQs). Municipal employers posting jobs can include information on the position’s hours, job description, qualifications, pay, application process and deadline.

The postings are available to members without a charge and appear on the website for up to two months, or less, depending on your schedule. This can include job postings, bids, for sale items, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and Request for Qualifications (RFQs). Municipal employers posting jobs can include information on the position’s hours, job description, qualifications, pay, application process and deadline.

If you would like to post a classified ad to NHMA’s website, but not quite sure how to do it, please contact NHMA’s Timothy Fortier at 603.226.1305 or tfortier@nhmunicipal.org.

If you would like to post a classified ad to NHMA’s website, but not quite sure how to do it, please contact NHMA’s Timothy Fortier at 603.226.1305 or tfortier@nhmunicipal.org.