Cybersecurity in city councils: an invisible but critical emergency

‍

In the era of digitalization, cybersecurity should constitute an essential element in the administration of public services. However, many municipalities are not yet ready to deal with increasing digital threats. In this essay, we examine the real dangers, the vital role of the National Security Scheme (ENS) and the pressing need to change the institutional mentality.

‍

An increasingly vulnerable context

The digital transformation of Public Administration is progressing at a steady pace. More and more online services are being provided and infrastructures are more linked. However, this progress is not accompanied by a similar advance in protection: resources are scarce and threats continue to expand.

Some key factors of the problem:

• Extreme digitalization: The implementation of technology in Public Administration is expanding rapidly, increasing the possibility of attacks.
• Increase in frailties: Threats vary, but resources remain unchanged.
• Heterogeneous IT perimeter: Many infrastructures are diverse, poorly managed and difficult to protect.
• Municipalities as a goal: They are the weakest link. Most have not yet implemented the ENS and are still on track to achieve it.

The data is convincing: in 2013, cybercrimes represented only 1.9% of the total in Spain. In 2023, they already account for 16.6%.

‍

Inadequate human resources and lack of preparation

One of the main difficulties in municipalities is the scarcity of resources:

• Small IT departments: They don't have the capacity to deal with cybersecurity.
• Ignorance of regulations: Many technicians and politicians do not adequately understand the risks or legal liabilities.
• Political Inequality: Digital security is not seen as a priority in elections, so it is left in the background.
• Low citizen awareness: The population, the first line of protection, lacks training and security in the digital field.

‍

The ENS: more than a standard, a strategic need

The adoption of the National Security Scheme (ENS) is not merely a legal duty. It is to ensure a common minimum level of protection that allows:

• Standardization of safety: A unified framework simplifies risk management and enhances the degree of security.
• Implement accountability: Cybersecurity is both a legal demand and a moral obligation to citizens.
• Before regretting, prevent: Even if it does not participate in elections, it is vital to ensure the continuity of public services.

‍

Change of mentality: from reaction to prevention

Implementing the ENS requires getting rid of inertia and understanding that it's not just about passing an audit, but about protecting public infrastructure against attacks that are no longer an option, but a certainty.

‍

Does your city council need cybersecurity support?

At Apolo Cybersecurity we offer the service of CISO as a Service, a flexible and effective solution to help public administrations implement and maintain the ENS, manage risks and respond to incidents.

🔐 Assess the current state of your security. 📘 Design adapted policies and procedures. 🛡️ Protect your systems with an expert team.

Contact us today and take the first step towards secure and responsible digital administration.

Check out our section of CISO as a Service hither!

‍