Local government is a target for cyber attacks and a number have been hit, in some cases causing long lasting disruption.
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While councils are well aware of the need to erect strong defences, the threats are intensifying due to increased resources for state backed attackers. The situation is also complicated with a squeeze on budgets, the continual struggle to recruit and retain skilled staff, an complex array of assurance frameworks and the need for cyber assurance through the supply chain.
There are bright spots in areas such as security operations centres, the defensive potential of AI, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's Cyber Assessment Framework and the new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. All provide cause for optimism.
UKAuthority and SCC partnered to research the complexities for local government and create this report exploring the key issues and challenges, highlighting the measures that councils can take today, and the scope for common approaches and wider collaboration moving forwards.
It involved a series of roundtable discussions with digital leaders and cyber specialists in the sector – taking part on a non-attributable basis – reader ‘quick’ polls and draws on both UKAuthority’s long term reporting on cyber issues and SCC’s expertise in the field.
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