State and local governments are under siege from a rising tide of cyber threats. From ransomware and supply chain compromises to attacks on social services systems and K12 District networks, the public sector has become a prime target for nation-state actors and financially motivated threat groups. As stewards of our most vital systems—public safety, education, water, energy, and healthcare—state and local entities carry the enormous responsibility of defending both infrastructure and public trust.
A new report by the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center® (MS-ISAC®) underscores the urgency. Titled “Strengthening Critical Infrastructure: State, Local, Tribal & Territorial Progress & Priorities, Volume 1,” the report paints a sobering picture: much of the U.S. critical infrastructure is managed at the state and local level, and disruptions—from the classroom to the clinic to the courthouse—can have cascading effects.
SLTT (State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial) critical infrastructure underpins nearly every aspect of daily life. Cyberattacks on these services—whether they disrupt food assistance platforms like RIBridges in Rhode Island or exploit vulnerabilities in rural K12 Districts—can leave communities reeling. According to the report, these threats are not just technical—they’re strategic, designed to erode trust in public institutions.
A Call for National-Scale Collaboration
The report calls for increased support and coordination between public entities and cybersecurity providers, pointing to successful initiatives such as shared services, regional security operations centers (SOCs), and round-the-clock monitoring led by partners like MS-ISAC. These programs offer centralized threat intelligence, peer collaboration, and real-time incident response—all of which are crucial in defending against highly coordinated threat actors.
Terry Loftus, Chair of the MS-ISAC Executive Committee, noted, “The strategies and priorities outlined in this report are more than a blueprint for safeguarding our communities—they are a call to action for every level of government to stand together against the threats that challenge our way of life.”
Among the top priorities: bolstering cyber resilience, strengthening small and rural communities, investing in skilled personnel, and building trust through transparent communication. These align closely with the needs of education systems and credit unions, which often operate with limited cybersecurity resources despite handling sensitive personal and financial data.
Blackswan Cybersecurity: A Trusted Ally for the Public Sector
At Blackswan Cybersecurity, we specialize in helping SLTT entities—from city governments and school districts to community credit unions—navigate this evolving threat landscape. Through our 24/7 Cyber Fusion Center, vCISO services, and industry-leading Open XDR technology, we provide tailored, right-sized protection for organizations that can’t afford to leave gaps in their defense.
Our work is grounded in decades of experience supporting critical infrastructure and public sector institutions. We understand the constraints facing IT teams in the field and partner closely with stakeholders to turn reactive environments into resilient ones.
Whether you’re a district IT director, a CIO at a county agency, or a board member at a local financial institution, the takeaway is clear: the time to act is now. Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, and your constituents depend on your ability to respond.
Want to learn how we can help? Connect with us to explore customized cybersecurity solutions that support your mission—and protect your community.
References:
- https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/critical-infrastructure-state-local-cyber/741273/
- https://www.cisecurity.org/about-us/media/press-release/new-report-highlights-critical-infrastructure-threats-and-the-role-of-state-and-local-government-organizations-in-national-security