Some security breaches are required to be reported to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO), and sometimes you need to report various cybersecurity issues to the State Auditor’s Office, too! Of course, we hope you have none, but if you find yourself in this spot – here is some important information that can help you comply with law.
… CONTINUE READING →
It’s that time of year again, when villains, creeps and other dangerous characters are testing the locks and doors in your neighborhood ― virtually. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a chance to be sure you are doing your part to protect yourself and the value data and systems that keep public services working.
… CONTINUE READING →
CIS is known for developing an array of cybersecurity controls and leading practices that can help organizations of all sizes protect their IT systems and data. In June, CIS recognized our cybersecurity auditors for their work applying the CIS Controls system to help Washington’s state and local governments.
… CONTINUE READING →
As local government workers get accustomed to working from home, there are a couple things our information technology experts here at the State Auditor’s Office consider to be some especially risky areas. This blog post covers the highest risk areas.
… CONTINUE READING →
Make no mistake about it, organizations are fighting a war against ransomware. As in any war, it helps to know when your adversary’s strategy changes in a major way. And that is exactly what has been happening in the past few months, according to Roger A. Grimes, a cybersecurity expert with KnowBe4, a cybersecurity training company.
… CONTINUE READING →
Often local governments cite lack of resources for why they cannot move forward with their cybersecurity program – but did you know there are many resources available at no cost to you?
… CONTINUE READING →
Becoming the victim of a cyber attack can spark feelings of panic and dread. But maybe if you were fortunate enough to know that this could happen to anyone, and know that your government planned for such an event – maybe you might feel a little less panicked in that moment.
… CONTINUE READING →
Ransomware is on the rise for governments as a whole. Here are five steps to help your government avoid falling prey to this crime.
… CONTINUE READING →
At work, staff come and go. However, if user access for a former employee does not get removed, that access could be exploited for undesirable purposes by a disgruntled employee, other staff, or even a hacker.
… CONTINUE READING →
Published: October 16, 2019
By the Center for Government Innovation
Estimated reading time: 1 minute
As a part of Cybersecurity Awareness month, the Center for Government Innovation at the Office of the Washington State Auditor has put together some important tips and advice for local governments on cybersecurity best practices. This one-page guide is quick and informative, with actionable items anyone who works for local government- from finance to HR, from leadership to IT—can take to reduce cyber risks and #BeCyberSmart.
