Local Government Computer Systems Are Soft Targets

In a recent incident that officials say illustrates the vulnerability of local government computer networks, the communications system of an upstate New York police agency was disrupted by a hacking attack.

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department, headquartered in Watkins Glen, had to get support from surrounding counties after the hacking temporarily crippled its 911 emergency system and ability to dispatch deputies to calls, said Peter Kehoe, director of the New York State Sheriffs Association.

Kehoe said such incidents “are a very big concern for us," particularly since the disruption of a communications systems could severely impair a law-enforcement agency's ability to protect the public during a crisis.

The need for enhanced cyber-security measures to counter attempts to breach networks stored on government computers, often containing highly confidential and personal information, has prompted the New York State Association of Counties to arrange a workshop on the issue at its annual conference in Syracuse Sept. 13 through 15.

'Direct Attack'

Officials say hacking attempts appear to be on the rise, with those targeting government networks often based in Russia, China or North Korea.

A memo circulated by Schuyler County Sheriff William Yessman Jr. last week described the hacking episode there as a "direct attack from a foreign country on our system," coming from a computer that "kept trying various passwords until it accessed our system."

The attack on the sheriff's agency came within a week of the release of an Aug. 24 report that found that government computer networks are often more vulnerable to attacks than the systems of fast-food chains.

That report, by SecurityScoreboard, a cyber-security consultant, was based on an analysis of more than 500 federal, state and local government agencies.

"Once a hacker is inside the organisation's network, digital assets can be compromised or stolen outright, throwing operations into chaos," the report warned.
 
Protection

The Center for Internet Security, based in the Troy suburb of East Greenbush, provides advice and support to hundreds of local and state agencies, with help from federal funding.

The organisation's vice president, Brian Calkin, said he recommends that agencies keep all data stored on their networks backed up in computers that are not connected to their systems and are stored in locations apart from their base of operations.

Keeping intruders out has become even more important since the use of ransomware, malicious software used to prevent computer users from accessing data until money is paid to those who planted the virus, became part of the repertoire of some hackers in 2014.

"Ransomware has become the bane of our existence," said Calkin, referring to those in the cyber-security field.

Local government agencies often lack the funding to hire cyber-security professionals, or, in the case of many upstate sheriff's departments and county boards of elections offices, have to rely on the county's information technology department to handle their needs.

"In the cyber-security field, there are zero folks out there now who want a job and don't have a job," Calkin said in noting that government and other industries are recognising the need to beef up on their security efforts.

County Hacked

Even a small vulnerability can lead to large problems for government networks, experts said.

Brian Pokorny, director of the Otsego County information technology department in Cooperstown, said his county network was compromised when a county employee's smart phone was hacked through a technique known as keystroke logging. It allows a hacker to access user names and passwords for entering networks.

Pokorny said his department reviews the security of the county computer systems daily to make sure no hacker has intruded, and Pokorny said he has been in touch with the state Board of Elections in Albany to stay abreast of the latest concerns regarding voting data.

"The level of phishing attempts has increased dramatically in recent months," he said.

"We're making sure our county employees are being vigilant when they open email to make sure they're not sending information to people they don't want to send information to."

Press Republican

You Might Also Read: 

Police Spy On Their Own: Twitter Accounts Scrutinised:

Police Can’t Reduce Cybecrime:

« Robots Take Over The World’s Work
Big Data - Big Changes Coming »

Infosecurity Europe
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO is the market leader in HPE Non-Stop Security, Risk Management and Compliance.

Authentic8

Authentic8

Authentic8 transforms how organizations secure and control the use of the web with Silo, its patented cloud browser.

ManageEngine

ManageEngine

As the IT management division of Zoho Corporation, ManageEngine prioritizes flexible solutions that work for all businesses, regardless of size or budget.

CoSoSys Endpoint Protector

CoSoSys Endpoint Protector

Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys is an advanced all-in-one DLP solution for Windows, macOS, and Linux, that puts an end to unintentional data leaks and protects from malicious data theft.

Coursera

Coursera

Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online. Subject areas include Computer Security & Networks.

achelos

achelos

achelos is an independent software development company providing innovative technical solutions for micro-processor chips / security chips and embedded systems in security-critical application fields.

CYE

CYE

Utilizing data, numbers, and facts, CYE helps security leaders know what business assets are at risk and execute cost-effective remediation projects for optimal risk prevention.

Cloudentity

Cloudentity

Cloudentity combines Identity for all things with API and Application security in a unique deployment model, combining cloud-transformation and legacy systems.

European Cyber Competence Network

European Cyber Competence Network

The purpose of the European Cyber Competence Network is to retain and develop the cybersecurity technological and industrial capacities of the EU necessary to secure its Digital Single Market.

Entara

Entara

Entara (formerly YJT Solutions) is an eXtended Service Provider (XSP) focused on providing cutting edge technology and cyber security solutions to companies in regulated industries.

Lavabit

Lavabit

Lavabit's Dark Internet Mail Environment is a secure, open-source, secure end-to-end communications platform for asynchronous messaging across the internet.

Transparity Cyber

Transparity Cyber

Transparity Cyber is dedicated to cybersecurity. As part of the Transparity Group we’re an established name in the Microsoft Cloud landscape, with a focus on cybersecurity excellence.

Globesecure Technologies

Globesecure Technologies

Globesecure Technologies is a networks and cyber security company. We are here to resolve business security challenges and secure the digital transformation journey of our clients.

Axians

Axians

Axians supports its customers in their digital transformation journey. We offer ICT solutions and services in areas including Enterprise Networks and Cybersecurity.

Sri Lanka CERT

Sri Lanka CERT

Sri Lanka CERT is the National Centre for Cyber Security, which has the national responsibility of protecting the nation’s cyberspace from cyber threats.

Verastel

Verastel

Specializing in the niche space of proactive cyber-defense, and adaptive resilience, team Verastel is bolstering enterprise digital security like never before.

ABPGroup

ABPGroup

ABPGroup is Asia’s leading cybersecurity technology provider focusing on providing best-of-breed solutions that address today’s pressing challenges.

Cork

Cork

Cork is a purpose-built cyber warranty company for managed service providers (MSPs) serving small businesses (SMBs) and the software solutions they manage.

RealmOne

RealmOne

RealmOne addresses the most challenging issues in the realms of defense and cyberspace, adapting to the continuously changing demands of our national security customers.