In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the increasing threat of cyberattacks faced by local governments in Utah. Jeff Rowley, claims manager for the Utah Local Government's Trust, highlighted the critical nature of these threats, particularly emphasizing the devastating impact of cyber breaches on public entities.
Rowley identified business email compromise as the most prevalent type of cyberattack affecting local governments, noting that it often leads to significant financial losses, especially in cases involving large payments for construction projects. He stressed the importance of training and resources provided by the state to help local governments prepare for and respond to such attacks.
Ransomware attacks were also mentioned as a significant concern, further underscoring the vulnerability felt by organizations that fall victim to these cyber threats. Rowley praised the state's efforts in providing resources and training, urging local governments to take advantage of these offerings to mitigate risks and enhance their cybersecurity posture.
The meeting concluded with Rowley encouraging local governments to utilize the intrusion testing services available through the Utah Local Government's Trust, as well as the Beasley cyber policy, which offers additional support in developing effective pre- and post-loss strategies.