Municipal data systems face a unique set of challenges regarding security. On the one hand, they must be accessible to many users, including employees, contractors, and residents. On the other hand, they must be secure against potential threats, such as hackers and natural disasters.
In an age where data breaches are becoming more and more common, municipalities must have systems in place to protect the sensitive information of their residents. They collect various personal data, from building permits to tax records, and any type of data breach could have disastrous consequences. There are a few key ways in which local municipalities keep citizens’ information safe. Here are some of them.
Employee Training and Access Control
One of the most critical ways that municipalities keep citizens’ information safe is by controlling who has access to it. Employees with sensitive data are carefully screened and undergo regular training on data security protocols. Access to sensitive data is typically restricted to only those employees who need it for their job. This helps to reduce the risk of accidental leaks and intentional breaches.
When training employees on data security, municipalities often emphasize the importance of keeping passwords secure and never sharing them with anyone. They also remind employees to be vigilant when opening emails and attachments, as these can be used to access systems. Because most municipalities use a variety of software programs, employees need to know how to use them securely.
Physical Security
A lot of the information collected by municipalities is stored in physical files, such as paper records. These need to be stored in a secure location, such as a locked filing cabinet or safe. Municipalities may sometimes opt to store physical documents off-site in a secure storage facility.
Most municipalities also secure their locations using various door security systems. Because intruders can pose a serious threat to data security, it’s essential to have measures in place to deter and detect them. A magnetic door position switch is one type of door security system that uses magnetic sensors to detect when a door has been opened, triggering an alarm.
Regular Backups and Off-Site Storage
Another important measure that municipalities take is ensuring that there is always a backup in case of a disaster. Data is regularly backed up and stored off-site in a secure location. This ensures that even if the primary database is lost, the data will still be accessible. Some municipalities also keep paper records as an additional backup.
Municipalities also have contingency plans in place in case of a major disaster. These plans typically involve moving critical operations to another location and providing employees with the necessary resources to continue working. They may also include setting up temporary data-gathering centers to collect information from residents. Even if the municipality’s primary systems are down, these contingency plans ensure that their outlets can still provide essential services.
Cybersecurity
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is a critical concern for municipalities. Various cyber threats, such as viruses, malware, and phishing attacks, can seriously threaten data security. As such, they need to have systems in place to detect and prevent cyberattacks. This includes having a firewall in place and using intrusion detection and prevention systems.
Municipalities also need to have procedures to deal with data breaches. This typically involves immediately identifying the source of the breach, assessing the damage, and taking steps to prevent further damage. Often, municipalities will also notify the people whose data has been compromised. They may also provide them with resources, such as credit monitoring, to help protect their data.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Finally, many municipalities are now using multi-factor authentication to protect data further. This involves using two or more factors to verify a person’s identity. For example, a municipality may require employees to use their fingerprints and passwords to access systems. This makes it more difficult for attackers to gain access, as they would need both fingerprint and password.
Multi-factor authentication is becoming increasingly common, as it offers a higher level of security than traditional authentication methods. People can expect to see more municipalities using this method in the future.
Local municipalities have a vital role in keeping citizens’ information safe. By carefully controlling access, regularly backing up data, and investing in off-site storage, they can minimize the risk of data breaches and ensure that residents’ information remains confidential. But as the digital world evolves, so too must municipalities take measures to protect data. Whatever security measures are put in place, they must be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain effective.
