Local governments are working to protect data from hackers

With huge breaches like Equifax, people are growing more and more concerned with cybersecurity. While these high profile cases of cyberattack help to make the public more careful, they also worry local governments and experts who study public administration. Despite the fact that large cities usually have safeguards in place, small to medium size cities often don’t, leaving a lot of information vulnerable to hackers. Dr. William Hatcher, director of the master’s program in public administration at Augusta University, is conducting a study of cybersecurity plans in small governments and has noticed shortcomings.

“Especially over the last 10 years, local governments have cut their employees so much, they’re just trying to do the basic governing that needs to be done today,” Hatcher says. “So it’s hard to do these more long-term services like providing cybersecurity protection.”

OZY: A battle is brewing between hackers and local governments

Feb. 27, 2018