Cybersecurity for Special Districts

 

 

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, programs, and data from digital attacks that are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users; or interrupting normal business processes. (MRSC, 2021)

Types of cybersecurity threats

• Phishing —  sending fraudulent emails that resemble emails from reputable sources. Phishing is currently the biggest threat to districts.
• Ransomware — malicious software designed to extort money by blocking access to files or the computer system until the ransom is paid.
• Malware — malicious software designed to gain unauthorized access or to cause damage to a computer.

Local governments can be targets of cyberattacks because they store considerable amounts of sensitive information, especially personally identifiable information (PII) such as names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, credit card numbers, social security numbers, and medical information. This information is valuable to cybercriminals because they can sell the data or hold it for ransom. (Norris, 2021)