State of the Industry

State and local governments, along with a wide array of associated entities such as housing authorities, regional commissions, municipalities, transportation authorities, public utility commissions, departments of public works, transportation authorities, and environmental protection agencies, are entrusted with vast amounts of sensitive data and critical infrastructure. This makes them prime targets for cyberattacks.
Recent incidents have showcased the vulnerability of these entities to sophisticated attacks, underscoring an urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. Despite growing awareness, many of these agencies struggle with outdated systems and limited budgets, which hinders their ability to effectively defend against an evolving array of threats. These challenges emphasize the critical need for robust cybersecurity solutions tailored to the unique needs of each agency.

Current and Emerging Threats

The range of threats facing state and local governments is broad and increasingly sophisticated. These entities are targeted not just by opportunistic hackers but also by organized crime groups and nation-state actors. Common attack vectors include ransomware, phishing, and more recently, supply chain attacks that exploit third-party vulnerabilities. The stakes are exceptionally high, exacerbated by frequent security tool misconfiguration due to a lack of expertise and resources. Successful attacks can compromise the personal data of millions, disrupt essential services, and erode public trust.

Solutions and CyBourn’s Customized Approach

For state and local governments, adopting a proactive cybersecurity stance is critical. CyBourn understands the unique challenges and constraints of the public sector and offers tailored solutions to safeguard sensitive information and infrastructure:

• IT Infrastructure Audits: We conduct thorough audits of your IT infrastructure to identify and rectify security gaps, ensuring your systems are robust against attacks.
• Vulnerability Assessments: Our team performs detailed assessments to detect vulnerabilities within your networks and systems, providing a clear path to mitigation and enhancing your security posture.
• Risk Assessments: We perform detailed evaluations to identify and analyze potential risks to your operations and data, providing strategic insights to mitigate these risks before they can be exploited. Our staff includes some of the best risk assessment specialists in the US!
• Disaster Recovery (DR) and Business Continuity Planning (BCP): We assist in developing robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure your operations can withstand and quickly recover from disruptions.
• Security Tool Configuration and Fine-Tuning – The primary threat facing public institutions in 2024 and beyond is security tool misconfiguration. This challenge is prevalent due to the increasingly complex platforms and tools that require specialized expertise and continuous fine-tuning. We provide essential resources and expertise where it matters most, ensuring that security tools are configured correctly to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Incident Response Tabletop Exercises: We facilitate simulated cyberattack scenarios to prepare your teams for real-world incidents, improving response strategies and reducing recovery time.
• Penetration Testing: CyBourn employs advanced penetration testing techniques to uncover potential security weaknesses, preparing your agency for actual attack scenarios and ensuring readiness.
• Managed XDR Services: Our EtherLast™ platform delivers 24/7 managed detection and response, utilizing machine learning and customized automation to provide comprehensive monitoring, threat detection, and rapid response capabilities.

Facing an array of cyber threats, state and local governments require a strategic partner that not only understands the intricacies of public sector security but also offers scalable, effective solutions.

CyBourn is dedicated to equipping your agency with the expertise, technology, and services necessary to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape, ensuring that your operations are resilient, secure, and compliant. Together, we can build a safer future for all constituents.