Page 225 - Cyber Defense eMagazine RSAC Special Edition 2025
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The Cost of Ignoring Patches: How State and Local
Governments Can Mitigate Damaging Security
Breaches
By Joao Correia, Technical Evangelist, TuxCare
According to a recent report released by the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center,
governmental agencies are facing an increase in ransomware attacks from nation-state actors and other
increasingly clever hackers. In the past, when considering who might be the most vulnerable to a
cyberattack, large corporations and federal agencies seemed like the most obvious choice. But over
time, more local, essential services such as public safety, social services, education and health sectors
find themselves in the crosshairs.
From social security numbers to medical records and private tax information, state and local
organizations are home to loads of personal information that can make money-hungry crooks salivate.
Combine a wealth of private data with a more rural community with lackluster security safeguards, and
cybercriminals often think they can grab themselves a fairly tantalizing feast.
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