Local authorities face the cyber storm

In its Panorama of the Cyber Threat 2022, the French National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI) points out that « an increase in the number of ransomware attacks has been observed since the summer of 2022, particularly against local authorities« . These attacks can affect payroll services, the management of civil status or the payment of social benefits.

Despite various action plans designed to strengthen their digital security, such as the France Relance plan, which places local authorities at the heart of its cybersecurity component by allocating €136 million, or the creation of regional cyber incident response centers supported by the ANSSI, there are major disparities between small and large authorities. In 2021, only 12% of local authorities surveyed by the Digital Society Laboratory said they were well prepared for threats.

How can we capitalize on the experiences of local authorities that have been victims? Is it possible to strengthen mutualization – as recommended by the Association of French Mayors (AMF) and ANSSI in the guide « Cybersecurity: all municipalities and inter-municipalities are concerned » – so that smaller municipalities can benefit from the expertise and financial resources of larger structures?

Is it desirable to change the legislative framework? How can users’ personal data be protected against malicious attacks? How can we effectively raise awareness among local government employees? How can we help local authorities to choose technological solutions and service providers that are both efficient and trustworthy?

We will welcome Mathieu Isaia, president and co-founder of the Association des Communes Cyber Dynamiques, and General François Dégez, Head of the Territorial Coordination Division (ANSSI), Cyril Bras, Cybersecurity Director at Whaller and former CISO of Grenoble-Alpes Métropole, and Denis Mottier, in charge of security and delinquency prevention at the AMF (Association of French Mayors and Presidents of Inter-municipalities).

The debates will be moderated by Philippe Martin, Editorial Director of Régions Magazine.

This event will take place at Campus Cyber (Tour Eria, 5 rue Bellini, 92800 Puteaux – La Défense).

To register, click here