Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Rural Communities Face Significant But Often Unrealized Cyber Threats

Statewide cybersecurity initiatives, like whole-of-state programs, are offering essential support to smaller communities and agencies. Backed by federal funding, they aim to bridge resource gaps and strengthen defenses against cyber threats.

TFIC Thumbnail (9).png
The podcast cover image for this The Future in Context (TFIC) episode shows an AI-generated, photo-realistic visualization of spaceborne cybersecurity threats to local communities.  (DALL-E 3)


Listen to this episode on the player below or subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple PodcastsSpotifyAudacy and Audible.



As small and rural communities like Auburn, Ind., face mounting cybersecurity threats, particularly to critical infrastructure, state-level initiatives and collaborative efforts are becoming more important in protecting vulnerable sectors such as water, energy and space.

Senior Staff Writers Jule Pattison-Gordon and Thad Reuter from Governing's sister publication join the podcast to discuss the cover story of the new issue of Government Technology magazine.*

Show Notes


Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

  1. Rural Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Small and rural communities face significant cybersecurity challenges, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure like utilities, with limited resources making them more vulnerable to cyber threats.
  2. Whole-of-State (WOS) Cybersecurity Programs: WOS initiatives, supported by federal grants, provide comprehensive cybersecurity support across state and local government levels, with various states adopting unique strategies to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
  3. Sector-Specific Cyber Threats: Critical sectors such as water, energy and space are increasingly targeted by cyber attacks, with outdated systems and the integration of new technologies introducing additional vulnerabilities.
  4. Sustainability of Cybersecurity Initiatives: There are ongoing concerns about the long-term sustainability of WOS programs, particularly the continuity of federal funding, which is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of these initiatives.
  5. Collaborative Cybersecurity Strategies: Collaboration between federal, state and international entities is essential in developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies, focusing on guidelines, technical assistance and raising awareness of cyber risks.

Chapters


TFIC-Snapshot.png
Recording the episode with Paul W. Taylor, Jule Pattison-Gordon and Thad Rueter.
00:00 Introduction: The Alarming Threat Environment in Cybersecurity

01:26 Protecting Critical Infrastructure: Water and Power

06:10 The Vulnerabilities of Small and Rural Communities

12:49 Collaborative Efforts in Cybersecurity Defense

16:09 The Role of Vendors in Providing Cybersecurity Solutions


Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:


*Governing and Government Technology are both part of e.Republic. Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.

Previous Episodes
Paul W. Taylor is the Senior Editor for e.Republic Editorial and of its flagship titles - Governing and Government Technology. He can be reached at ptaylor@governing.com or on Twitter at @pwtaylor.
Ashley Silver is the co-host of The Future in Context podcast and a staff writer with Governing’s sister publication, Government Technology.
From Our Partners