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Local Governments in the Crosshairs of Cybercrime

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Local Governments in the Crosshairs of Cybercrime
Local Governments in the Crosshairs of Cybercrime
Protecting Public Data: How SmartFusion Supports Local Governments Against Growing Cybersecurity Threats

 

When local governments moved services online during the pandemic, they opened digital doors that were never fully closed. Services like tax billing, voter information, and utility payments shifted onto screens, and with that change came new threats. Hackers saw an opening and walked right in.

A Growing Bullseye

Public agencies became digital filing cabinets full of names, Social Security numbers, and voting records. Once that data started flowing through email, cloud services, and remote servers, cybercriminals saw an opportunity.

These attacks don’t always show up as blinking red lights. Many start with one quiet email. A single click from an unsuspecting employee can give attackers weeks or months of quiet access.

Election years raise the stakes. Local systems are under more stress, and hackers know that public trust can be shaken with just one well-placed disruption.

Lazaro Elias, Sales Executive with SmartFusion, shared this thought:
“Cybercrime is alive and well, and local governments are right in the middle of it. The risk is real, and it keeps growing.”

The Soft Spots Are Everywhere

Most agencies aren’t dealing with futuristic tech. Many still rely on aging hardware, shared networks, and outdated security habits. When you add in tight budgets and small IT teams, it’s no surprise attackers keep coming back.

The most common ways in:

  • Email systems that lack proper filtering
  • Cloud tools without the right protections
  • Devices and infrastructure past their prime

One weak point can affect multiple departments. Sometimes even school systems and county offices share the same network doors.

What Can Be Done Right Now

Local governments don’t need to fix everything at once. But they do need to know where the cracks are. Some steps they are taking include:

  • Updating software regularly
  • Teaching staff how to spot fake emails
  • Partnering with vendors who understand public-sector needs
  • Moving away from old hardware when possible

SmartFusion works with municipalities, counties, and other agencies every day. The goal is simple: make sure the tools in place don’t become liabilities tomorrow.


Local governments carry more data than ever. That data needs protecting. When technology moves fast, security cannot afford to be an afterthought.