Cybersecurity
Article

Cybersecurity for Local Governments: Strengthening Network Security Within and Between Michigan Communities

by
South East Michigan Council of Governments
November 30, 2022
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Summary

SEMCOG highlights the concern about infrastructure and government operations being impacted by cyberattacks.

On February 5, 2021, a water treatment plant in Oldsmar, Florida was hit with a cyberattack in an attempt to poison the municipal water supply. The attack was stopped before the drinking water could be contaminated, but it highlighted the concern about infrastructure and government operations being impacted by cyber actors. Cybersecurity is a discipline, an essential part of the professional environment, and a set of ever-changing principles that can no longer be solely in the realm of IT and high-tech professions.

Residents, businesses, public and private institutions, and governments are all potential targets. At every level, each organization and individual needs to employ measures and best practices to protect themselves from cyberattacks.

While the effort to protect oneself, organization, and even friends and loved ones from cyberattacks can appear daunting, there are very discrete steps to take, types of software to use, and best practices to employ. Cybersecurity tools and policies can strengthen an enterprise, communicate threats, and coordinate with state and federal partners to work toward preventing cyberattacks and apprehending cybercriminals.

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South East Michigan Council of Governments
South East Michigan Council of Governments

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) supports local planning through its technical, data, and intergovernmental resources. The work SEMCOG does improves the quality of the region's water, makes the transportation system safer and more efficient, revitalizes communities, and spurs economic development.

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