As we wrap up 2023, it is a great time to reflect on the current state of technology in state and local governments and look ahead to the priorities for the coming year.
Maintaining the security of networks and the data they carry continues to be the primary concern of top government officials and has been for the last 10 years, according to NASCIO's annual survey of State CIOs.
As the volume and impact of malware and breaches continue to rise, states are evolving their security capabilities and focusing on cyber-resilience to quickly react and recover from security incidents.
Most states are also leveraging Federal Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act grants to improve the security posture of their local government and schools, which can add the responsibility for State CIOs and CISOs to coordinate whole-of-state security plans.
States have conducted assessments to identify the capabilities and needs of their local governments and schools.
While approaches differ by state, everyone is focusing on ensuring the sustainability of their approach beyond the IIJA funding window.
States are also establishing centers of excellence, fusion centers and cyber ranges, often in partnership with local Universities or state network providers.
These partnerships are delivering fundamental cybersecurity education, leading table-top exercises to better prepare for breaches, and in some cases creating regional security operations centers to provide security monitoring services for local governments and schools in the region.
While many States require local governments and schools to notify the State of security breaches, several have a long-term goal of sharing real-time security telemetry to create a more complete picture of threats and bad actors across their State.
Delivering digital government services still of high importance.
Serving residents faster and at a lower cost by deploying secure and reliable digital government services also remains a top priority in state and local government.
Cities are also leveraging video technology to connect residents in need with government workers directly, allowing them to get timely and personal service without the scheduling and travel to a government office.
States creating policy guardrails for appropriate use of AI. Just over a year after the public release of ChatGPT, Generative AI has taken center stage in the technology conversation.
State CISOs are leading the policy creation for proper use of AI, and requiring registration of AI capabilities in all government systems and commercial applications used by agencies to ensure they follow the rules for appropriate use.
With persistent workforce shortages across government agencies, government agencies are interested in technologies like AI-powered chatbots to continue to meet the needs of residents with their reduced workforce - especially in critical services that often experience spikes in demand.
States have increasingly created the position of chief data officer and chief privacy officer to ensure the privacy of resident data as it is managed within and between agencies.
As we discussed, cybersecurity remains the top concern for government leaders.
2024 will see state and local governments continue to modernize infrastructure.
As technology and resident expectations evolve rapidly, government IT leaders continue to lead the way.
Learn more: state and local government priorities 2024.
This Cyber News was published on feedpress.me. Publication date: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:58:04 +0000