Internet technologies have enhanced how local and state governments operate. For example, thanks to these technologies, it has become possible for these governments to automate their operations. However, while the technologies have allowed these authorities to function seamlessly and efficiently, they have also presented challenges. The threat of cyber-attacks are among these challenges. That they handle highly sensitive information is one of the factors that make the local and state governments especially vulnerable to these attacks. In order to be effective in tackling the attacks, the governments need to join forces with such institutions as the Multi—State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC).
MS-ISAC Services
MS-ISAC is an institution that is dedicated to tackling cyber threats. This institution offers a wide range of services. The services include issuing advisories about threats and conducting vulnerability assessments (“Services”, n.d). Moreover, MS-ISAC is involved in responding to attacks and helping the victims of the attacks to recover and build robust defenses. MS-ISAC also shares information with its clients and performs education programs aimed at creating awareness regarding the dangers of cyber threats (“Services”, n.d). It is worth noting that some of these services are availed at a fee. For example, for vulnerability assessment, consulting and security services, the MS-ISAC charges fees (“Services”, n.d). The fees may concern state and local governments that wish to partner with MS-ISAC. However, given the critical role that these services play in tackling cyber threats, it is fairly easy to justify them. Therefore, the fees should not discourage governments which are truly dedicated to eliminating cyber threats.
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Effectiveness of Partnerships
When they seek to establish partnerships with MS-ISAC, state and local governments will be being driven by the need to minimize the risk of data breaches. It is therefore important to assure these governments that the services MS-ISAC offers guarantee security. These services are largely in line with the best cybersecurity practices and it can therefore be expected that as they pay for these services, the governments will enjoy enhanced security. For example, education, constant threat monitoring and issuing notifications when threats are detected are among the practices that have been shown to bolster cyber security (Wittkop, 2016). Since it offers these services, MS-ISAC essentially guarantees its clients that their networks and systems will be shielded against all forms of attacks, including data breaches.
Partners
MS-ISAC is just one of numerous organizations with which city authorities can partner as they seek to reduce the risk of data breaches. The federal government and non-technical stakeholders are among the parties with whom the city governments should seek to establish partnerships (Dynkin & Dynkin, 2018). By joining forces with the federal government, the city authorities will receive the funding and technical support that they need to build digital infrastructure that can withstand attacks. The non-technical stakeholders include the business community which can also provide funding and moral support. Even as they turn to outsiders for partnerships, the city authorities should understand that these partnerships will have little impact if they are not accompanied with concrete internal reforms. Such states as Colorado are leading the US in implementing various strategies aimed at enhancing cybersecurity. The strategies include training employees, conducting constant monitoring and eliminating risks (Dawson & Desouza, 2015). Colorado should inspire the city authorities to build internal competencies before seeking partnerships.
In conclusion, state and local governments are prime targets for cyber attackers because of their vulnerability. Many of these governments rely on outdated technologies which are riddled with loopholes which can be exploited. In order to minimize the treat of being attacked, these governments should collaborate with such institutions as MS-ISAC. These partnerships will enable the governments to leverage the expertise that MS-ISAC possesses. Apart from MS-ISAC, the governments should also consolidate their efforts with federal authorities and the business community. Combined with the adoption of best practices, these partnerships promise to enable the governments to effectively address cyber threats.
References
Dawson, G., & Desouza, K. C. (2015). How state governments are addressing cybersecurity. Brookings Institution. Retrieved November 28, 2018 from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2015/03/05/how-state-governments-are-addressing-cybersecurity/
Dynkin, B., & Dynkin, B. (2018). Local government and cybersecurity: working with all the stakeholders. GCN. Retrieved November 28, 2018 from https://gcn.com/articles/2018/06/22/local-gov-cybersecurity.aspx
Services. (n.d). Center for Internet Security. Retrieved November 28, 2018 from https://www.cisecurity.org/ms-isac/services/
Wittkop, J. (2016). Building a comprehensive IT security program: practical guidelines and best practices. Apress.
