Ransomware – Smart Cities at Risk | ARC Advisory Group

Ransomware – Smart Cities at Risk | ARC Advisory Group

The growing number of attacks on state and local government means cybersecurity is a crucial consideration for today. Additionally, the millions of connected IoT devices in Smart Cities could potentially leave a city vulnerable to hackers. What can cities do to protect themselves?

The growing number of ransomware attacks on state and local government means cybersecurity is a crucial consideration for Smart Cities today.  Additionally, the millions of connected IoT devices in Smart Cities could potentially leave a city vulnerable to hackers.  Ponemon Institute, a Traverse City, Michigan, research company estimated that 38% of public entities it sampled suffered a ransomware attack last year.  That number was a 13% increase from 2016 indicating the cyber-attack trend continues on the rise.  A study recently published by Allan Liska (Recorded Future) revealed there have been over 169 reported cases of successful ransomware attacks on state and local governments since 2013. The study showed a decrease in the number of attacks from 2017, but a large increase in 2018, and an upward trend for 2019. The report stated that there have already been 23 reported cases this year. It is important to note that the study indicates that not all cases of ransomware attacks are publicly reported so the number is most likely much higher. Unfortunately, ransomware is a big issue that many cities lack funding to address and it is not going away any time soon.

Ransomware – Smart Cities at Risk | ARC Advisory Group