Cybersecurity for Government Entities: What Leaders Often Miss 

As technology becomes increasingly central to public service delivery, local governments face growing risks from cyber threats. Counties , cities, school districts, and other municipalities manage vast amounts of sensitive data—from citizen records and payroll systems to infrastructure networks—making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Yet despite heightened awareness, many government entities continue to overlook key elements of effective cybersecurity. 

At Brady Martz, we work closely with local governments to strengthen financial and operational resilience. Here’s what local leaders often miss when it comes to cybersecurity—and how to close the gaps before they become vulnerabilities. 

1. Thinking IT Alone Owns Cybersecurity 

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it’s an organizational one. Finance, HR, and administrative departments all handle critical data that can expose the entire organization if compromised. Leadership teams must set the tone from the top by integrating cybersecurity into overall risk management and ensuring every employee understands their role in protecting information. 

Best Practice: Include cybersecurity awareness in new-employee training, conduct periodic refreshers, and make it part of your annual governance review. When everyone is accountable, defenses become stronger. 

2. Underestimating the Risk of Human Error 

The most sophisticated systems can’t protect against a simple mistake—like an employee clicking a malicious link or using a weak password. According to recent studies, human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches across all sectors, and local governments are no exception. 

Best Practice: Implement regular phishing simulations and password audits. Encourage the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and create a culture where employees report suspicious activity without fear of blame. 

3. Outdated or Fragmented Systems 

Many government entities rely on legacy software that wasn’t built for modern cybersecurity demands. Patchwork systems and outdated technology make it difficult to maintain visibility, apply updates, or detect intrusions promptly. 

Best Practice: Conduct annual technology assessments to identify outdated systems and prioritize upgrades. Consider cloud-based solutions with strong encryption, regular patching, and compliance features aligned with public-sector needs. 

4. Ignoring Vendor and Third-Party Risks 

Government entities increasingly rely on third-party vendors for software, payments, and infrastructure management. However, each vendor relationship introduces potential vulnerabilities if not properly vetted or monitored. 

Best Practice: Require vendors to meet specific cybersecurity standards and include security clauses in contracts. Review vendor access permissions regularly and ensure data-sharing processes comply with privacy regulations. 

5. Failing to Test and Update Incident Response Plans 

Many local governments have an incident response plan—but haven’t tested it in years. In a cyberattack, minutes (even seconds!) matter. Without clearly defined roles, communication channels, and recovery steps, even a minor breach can escalate into a crisis. 

Best Practice: Review and test your incident response plan annually. Simulate different attack scenarios, from ransomware to data theft, and ensure your backup systems can restore critical operations quickly. 

6. Overlooking Budget Alignment and Long-Term Planning 

Cybersecurity investments often compete with other urgent priorities, leading to short-term fixes rather than sustainable strategies. However, the cost of prevention is far less than the financial and reputational impact of a breach. 

Best Practice: Treat cybersecurity as a strategic investment, not an expense. Build it into your multi-year budgeting process and leverage grants or cooperative purchasing programs designed for local governments. 

Building a Culture of Cyber Resilience 

True cybersecurity goes beyond technology—it’s about culture, leadership, and foresight. Government entities that take a proactive, organization-wide approach can better safeguard public resources, maintain operational continuity, and protect the trust of the citizens they serve. 

At Brady Martz, we partner with government entities to strengthen their operations from every angle — whether through cybersecurity and risk management, financial reporting and auditing, or long-term strategic planning. Our professionals understand the challenges local leaders face in balancing compliance, efficiency, and public trust. By taking a proactive, holistic approach, we help agencies build resilience, operate with confidence, and serve their communities more effectively.