Smart governments know cyber health is key.
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting local governments because they hold sensitive information about employees, residents and public services. As cyber threats continue to change, it can be difficult to know where your biggest risks are, or what to address first.
SAO’s Center for Government Innovation can help. Through our #BeCyberSmart Program, local governments in Washington state can access free cyber checkups and cyber incident response workshops. Our Program has helped more than 100 Washington governments, large and small, identify gaps, strengthen safeguards and prepare for a cyber incident.
Keep up with changing cyber threats
The #BeCyberSmart Program offers free, practical support to help Washington governments strengthen cybersecurity—wherever they start from.
Our Cyber checkups and Cyber incident response workshops can help you:
- Understand cybersecurity safeguards and why they’re important
- Find cybersecurity gaps and prioritize improvements
- Begin building a cybersecurity program if you don’t have one already
- Connect to free and low-cost resources to improve your cyber health
Not sure where to start? Email our experts to talk through your needs and find the right service.
Choose the support that fits your needs
Cyber checkups
Cyber checkups are a free, independent and confidential way to assess your government’s cybersecurity health. They are not audits – they’re designed to give you practical help and guidance you can use right away. Checkups are completed remotely and typically take four to five weeks. Confidentiality is subject to RCW 42.56.420 and RCW 42.56.270.
Based on the Center for Internet Security’s Critical Security Controls, Version 8.0, each checkup is designed to be practical and manageable for Washington governments. Checkups were recognized with an Excellence in Accountability Award from the National State Auditors Association (NSAA) in 2024.
Schedule your cyber service today!
After your checkup, a cyber specialist will walk your team through the results, help identify priorities and recommend the practical next steps to reduce risk. You'll also receive a detailed Results and Recommendations Report, along with customized, detailed guidance you can use to plan future improvements and communicate priorities with your organization's management and leadership.
Cyber incident response workshops
Will your team know what to do in the event of a cyberattack?
Half-day Incident Response Workshops help your team create an incident response plan that is tailored to your government, staff and operations. Each Workshop combines expert guidance with templates, tools and group exercises. Your team will learn how to:
- Make critical decisions before an incident occurs, and without urgency
- Assign roles early so they can be learned and internalized
- Walk through example scenarios to prepare for the real thing
You’ll leave with a structured draft plan your team can continue to refine, bring to leadership and use to actively prepare for a cyber incident.
Helpful resources
Explore more Cyber resources in SAO’s Resource Library.
Ready to get started?
Get in touch with SAO’s Center for Government Innovation to talk about your cybersecurity needs. We can help you determine which service is the best for your government and tailor the work to your priorities.
Email Center@sao.wa.gov or call (564) 999-0818 today.