Security

The Triple-Layer Approach for State and Local Government Cyberdefenses

Agencies require strategies to secure documents, devices and networks.

Bob Burnett is director of B2B solutions deployment and planning at Brother International.

In an age when cyberthreats loom large, government agencies are prime targets, and safeguarding sensitive information has never been more critical.

How can state and local government agencies properly protect their confidential information before it gets into the wrong hands, thereby averting financial disaster? The answer is simple, but it’s complex to execute. It begins with identifying the vulnerable entry points where these bad actors can get in. In many cases, this means networked office devices.

In 2022, cybersecurity experts conducted a study in which they hijacked close to 28,000 unsecured printers worldwide. They successfully hacked 56 percent of the printers targeted, clearly showing that networked devices around the world lack protection. Without proper safeguards, bad actors can access private information at the push of a button.

Amid these evolving threats, a defense method emerges in the form of triple-layer security, consisting of document security, device security and network security. Often, state and local government offices have only one or two of these three necessary components. However, in a field where security is not a luxury but a necessity, all three must be in place.

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Keep Government Documents Away from Malicious Actors

In the web of networked devices, confidential documents often cross risky paths and are vulnerable to interception. Document security stands as the first and most important line of defense. Secure cloud printing, password-protected PDF sharing and scanning authentication ensure that documents remain confidential, thwarting any attempts at unauthorized access.

Think of a fortress for your gadgets, complete with strict access controls and authentication measures. Every little detail of device security is there to ward off intruders, ensuring that your data stays safe and sound.

Identify and Secure the Most Vulnerable Device Elements

When it comes to cybersecurity, we sometimes forget to include our devices. They’re the unsung heroes of our digital world. But they can also unwittingly assist hackers in committing cyber breaches if we’re not careful. That’s where device security can serve as a sturdy shield around vulnerable tech.

Tailor your restrictions based on your company’s risk tolerance. Then, dive into the nitty-gritty details: safeguards such as intelligent passwords and secure function locks. Integrated card readers using Active Directory authentication and near-field communication technology can be the extra muscle your devices need to fend off unwanted visitors. And don’t forget to check the hard drive for stored information.

Protect All Entry Points on Government Networks

Flashy cyberthreats such as ransomware and phishing scams usually grab all of the headlines. However, protecting digital infrastructure from within is also crucial. This is where network security comes into play.

Think of your network as the foundation of your office, a stronghold where your data is stored and guarded. By implementing robust network security measures, you can ensure that only authorized personnel can access this information.

What exactly does network security entail? It’s about fortifying your digital territory. Features such as IP security, global IP address detection, HTTPS protocols and secure email encryption are essential features that can keep your network safe and sound. They form the backbone of a secure workflow, ensuring that data remains protected, access is controlled and communication stays safe.

Network security isn’t just about keeping the bad guys out; it’s about creating a safe and secure environment where government employees can work without fear of cyberthreats.

Educate Government Employees on This Approach

For office security, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Government agencies must proactively educate their employees on best practices for securely managing document workflows and identifying phishing emails. The human element can often be the weakest link in a security setup. Given the frequency of cyberattacks, implementing triple-layer security isn’t merely a good idea, it’s an absolute necessity.

Controlling access to office devices, monitoring document printing and scanning, and managing server access are all critical components of a robust defense strategy. By prioritizing these measures, government agencies can stay one step ahead of cyber adversaries and safeguard sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

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