In recognition of October being National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, NLC just released their newest guide, “Protecting Our Data: What Cities Should Know About Cybersecurity.” This guide it’s been a much-awaited research project for the last several months.  NLC wrote this report for local elected and appointed officials, especially those who may not have a background in cybersecurity or network management. It was completed in collaboration with the Public Technology Institute.

The guide outlines ten recommended first steps for city officials hoping to improve cybersecurity, includes a few really interesting case studies of local security breaches (including the time NLC was hit by ransomware!), and a checklist local IT directors can use to get started. NLC will be doing more work and programming on local cybersecurity over the next year and beyond. If you’re attending NLC’s City Summit San Antonio next month, we’re hosting a “Cybersecurity 101” workshop on Friday, November 22 during the conference.

Herasanna Richards is a legislative associate handling energy, environmental, external municipal services and election issues for the League.  She can be reached at hrichards@mml.org or 517-908-0309.