As the October wind hints at winter, it’s also a reminder of the growing chill in the digital world – October is Cybersecurity Awareness month. A recent survey by the Public Technology Institute (PTI) puts cyber security at the apex of concerns, echoing the intensifying feeling of digital vulnerability.

In the backdrop of an increasingly volatile cyber environment, with attacks pervading all sectors, the government’s decision-making on the optimal distribution of federal aid to fortify local defenses remains in a contemplative phase.

Adding grit to the storm, Artificial Intelligence (AI) now emerges as the new double-edged sword; an asset for public servants, yet a formidable weapon in the arsenal of cybercriminals. Cybercriminals exploiting AI isn’t some sci-fi prophecy; it’s a reality, one that threatens to exploit digital chinks in our armor. Meanwhile, PTI’s survey underscores the significance of AI in fortifying cyber defenses, championing its potential in pre-emptively spotting vulnerabilities and formulating countermeasures.

Then comes the notion of ‘zero trust’ – a principle critical now more than ever, though its comprehensive understanding and implementation are daunting tasks. This year witnessed the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) refreshing its Cybersecurity Framework, placing a governance layer beneath its traditional five pillars – another strategy demanding meticulous planning and deployment.

Addressing the elephant in the digital room, the scarcity of adept cyber professionals remains alarming, forcing states to flex requirements in hopes of broadening the talent pool.

Among all these upheavals, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) grapples with a mounting workload, underscoring the need for a singular, focused guardian of the cyber realm – enter the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

While the emergence of the CISO role gains momentum, current numbers paint a concerning picture: less than 40% of local governments employ one. New Jersey, realizing the gravity, has mandated the presence of a CISO in every local government by 2025, although the financial mechanism to support this remains unclear.

The evolving CIO structure, with its elaborate supporting cast, places the CISO in a linchpin role, acting as the shield against looming cyber threats. From strategic planning and risk management to continually staying abreast of the shifting cyber landscape, the CISO stands as a watchful sentinel. But even amidst this sentinel’s rise, it’s pivotal to remember: the responsibility of cybersecurity doesn’t rest on a single shoulder. Every link, every individual in the chain, plays a part.

Despite the glaring need, a staggering 60% of U.S. local governments still function sans a CISO – be it due to unawareness, recruitment challenges, or budget constraints. The looming cyber storm doesn’t discriminate, and Texas’s innovative approach of setting up Regional Security Operation Centers (R-SOCS) provides a glimpse of adaptive strategies.

This October, as we navigate the intricate web of challenges, we also need to re-appreciate the CISO, who labors 24×7 to keep our enterprise safe from harm caused by rapidly increasing bad guys and increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.

Best of luck to all of us the rest of 2023.