Statewide cybersecurity initiatives, like whole-of-state programs, are offering essential support to smaller communities and agencies. Backed by federal funding, they aim to bridge resource gaps and strengthen defenses against cyber threats.————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-September 06, 2024 • [Paul W. Taylor](https://www.govtech.com/authors/Paul-W-Taylor-EM.html), [Ashley Silver](https://www.govtech.com/ashley-silver), [Jule Pattison-Gordon](https://www.govtech.com/jule-pattison-gordon), [Thad Rueter](https://www.govtech.com/thad-rueter) * [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=314190606794339&display=popup&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.govtech.com%2Fpodcasts%2Fglobal-cybersecurity-threats-matter-in-local-rural-communities)* [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.govtech.com%2Fpodcasts%2Fglobal-cybersecurity-threats-matter-in-local-rural-communities&mini=true&title=Global%20Cybersecurity%20Threats%20Matter%20in%20Local%2C%20Rural%20Communities&summary=Statewide%20cybersecurity%20initiatives%2C%20like%20whole-of-state%20programs%2C%20are%20offering%20essential%20support%20to%20smaller%20communities%20and%20agencies.%20Backed%20by%20federal%20funding%2C%20they%20aim%20to%20bridge%20resource%20gaps%20and%20strengthen%20defenses%20against%20cyber%20threats.&source=GovTech)* [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.govtech.com%2Fpodcasts%2Fglobal-cybersecurity-threats-matter-in-local-rural-communities&text=Global%20Cybersecurity%20Threats%20Matter%20in%20Local%2C%20Rural%20Communities)* Print* [Email](mailto:?body=Global%20Cybersecurity%20Threats%20Matter%20in%20Local%2C%20Rural%20Communities%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.govtech.com%2Fpodcasts%2Fglobal-cybersecurity-threats-matter-in-local-rural-communities%0A%0AStatewide%20cybersecurity%20initiatives%2C%20like%20whole-of-state%20programs%2C%20are%20offering%20essential%20support%20to%20smaller%20communities%20and%20agencies.%20Backed%20by%20federal%20funding%2C%20they%20aim%20to%20bridge%20resource%20gaps%20and%20strengthen%20defenses%20against%20cyber%20threats.)  The podcast cover image for this *The Future in Context (TFIC)* episode shows an AI-generated, photo-realistic visualization of spaceborne cybersecurity threats to local communities. (DALL-E 3) *Listen to this episode on the player below or subscribe for free on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2rXVVeS-QxDX9Ny4mipTu8JxmkcDCA4J) or the podcast app of your choice — [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-in-context/id1547149248), [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1yXdSIyGY3SSi0fdwYc1aW), [Audacy](https://www.audacy.com/podcast/the-future-in-context-1b619) and [Audible](https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Future-in-Context-Podcast/B08K58NT9G?qid=1613075263&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=N76KM6N5GBQVKQFG22KW).*
As small and rural communities like Auburn, Ind., face mounting cybersecurity threats, particularly to critical infrastructure, state-level initiatives and collaborative efforts are becoming more important in protecting vulnerable sectors such as water, energy and space. Senior Staff Writers Jule Pattison-Gordon and Thad Reuter join the podcast to discuss the cover story of the new issue of *Government Technology* magazine.-* ### SHOW NOTES
Here are the top five takeaways from this episode: 1. **Rural Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities:**Small and rural communities face significant cybersecurity challenges, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure like utilities, with limited resources making them more vulnerable to cyber threats.2. **Whole-of-State (WOS) Cybersecurity Programs:**WOS initiatives, supported by federal grants, provide comprehensive cybersecurity support across state and local government levels, with various states adopting unique strategies to enhance their cybersecurity posture.3. **Sector-Specific Cyber Threats:**Critical sectors such as water, energy and space are increasingly targeted by cyber attacks, with outdated systems and the integration of new technologies introducing additional vulnerabilities.4. **Sustainability of Cybersecurity Initiatives:**There are ongoing concerns about the long-term sustainability of WOS programs, particularly the continuity of federal funding, which is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of these initiatives.5. **Collaborative Cybersecurity Strategies:**Collaboration between federal, state and international entities is essential in developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies, focusing on guidelines, technical assistance and raising awareness of cyber risks.
### CHAPTERS
 Recording the episode with Paul W. Taylor, Jule Pattison-Gordon and Thad Rueter.00:00 Introduction: The Alarming Threat Environment in Cybersecurity 01:26 Protecting Critical Infrastructure: Water and Power 06:10 The Vulnerabilities of Small and Rural Communities 12:49 Collaborative Efforts in Cybersecurity Defense 16:09 The Role of Vendors in Providing Cybersecurity Solutions
**Related Links** to stories referenced in the episode: * [Critical Infrastructure: How to Protect Water, Power and Space from Cyber Attacks](https://www.govtech.com/security/critical-infrastructure-how-to-protect-water-power-and-space-from-cyber-attacks)* [What Do Cities and Counties Get from Whole-of-State Cyber?](https://www.govtech.com/security/what-do-cities-and-counties-get-from-whole-of-state-cyber)* [New Regional Centers Focus on Electrical Grid Cybersecurity](https://www.govtech.com/security/new-regional-centers-focus-on-electrical-grid-cybersecurity)* [What Does the Future of Cybersecurity in Space Look Like?](https://www.govtech.com/security/what-does-the-future-of-cybersecurity-in-space-look-like)* [Cybersecurity in Space: Why Hacking Has Gone Off World](https://www.govtech.com/security/cybersecurity-in-space-why-hacking-has-gone-off-world )* [Recovering from CrowdStrike, Prepping for the Next Incident](https://www.govtech.com/security/recovering-from-crowdstrike-prepping-for-the-next-incident)* [Cyber Initiative Pegs 2027 as Infrastructure Defense Deadline](https://www.govtech.com/security/cyber-initiative-pegs-2027-as-infrastructure-defense-deadline)
*Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.* -*Governing*and* Government Technology*are both part of e.Republic.* * [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=314190606794339&display=popup&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.govtech.com%2Fpodcasts%2Fglobal-cybersecurity-threats-matter-in-local-rural-communities)* [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.govtech.com%2Fpodcasts%2Fglobal-cybersecurity-threats-matter-in-local-rural-communities&mini=true&title=Global%20Cybersecurity%20Threats%20Matter%20in%20Local%2C%20Rural%20Communities&summary=Statewide%20cybersecurity%20initiatives%2C%20like%20whole-of-state%20programs%2C%20are%20offering%20essential%20support%20to%20smaller%20communities%20and%20agencies.%20Backed%20by%20federal%20funding%2C%20they%20aim%20to%20bridge%20resource%20gaps%20and%20strengthen%20defenses%20against%20cyber%20threats.&source=GovTech)* [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.govtech.com%2Fpodcasts%2Fglobal-cybersecurity-threats-matter-in-local-rural-communities&text=Global%20Cybersecurity%20Threats%20Matter%20in%20Local%2C%20Rural%20Communities)* Print* [Email](mailto:?body=Global%20Cybersecurity%20Threats%20Matter%20in%20Local%2C%20Rural%20Communities%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.govtech.com%2Fpodcasts%2Fglobal-cybersecurity-threats-matter-in-local-rural-communities%0A%0AStatewide%20cybersecurity%20initiatives%2C%20like%20whole-of-state%20programs%2C%20are%20offering%20essential%20support%20to%20smaller%20communities%20and%20agencies.%20Backed%20by%20federal%20funding%2C%20they%20aim%20to%20bridge%20resource%20gaps%20and%20strengthen%20defenses%20against%20cyber%20threats.) Tags:—–[The Future in Context](https://www.govtech.com/tag/the-future-in-context)[Cybersecurity](https://www.govtech.com/tag/cybersecurity)[Infrastructure](https://www.govtech.com/tag/infrastructure)[Water Tech](https://www.govtech.com/tag/water-tech)[Local Government](https://www.govtech.com/tag/local-government) [](https://www.govtech.com/authors/Paul-W-Taylor-EM.html) [Paul W. Taylor](https://www.govtech.com/authors/Paul-W-Taylor-EM.html) Paul W. Taylor is the Senior Editor of e.Republic Editorial and of its flagship titles – Government Technology and Governing. [See More Stories by Paul W. Taylor](https://www.govtech.com/authors/Paul-W-Taylor-EM.html) [](https://www.govtech.com/ashley-silver) [Ashley Silver](https://www.govtech.com/ashley-silver) Ashley Silver is a staff writer for -Government Technology. -She holds an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Montevallo and a graduate degree in public relations from Kent State University. Silver is also a published author with a wide range of experience in editing, communications and public relations. [See More Stories by Ashley Silver](https://www.govtech.com/ashley-silver) [](https://www.govtech.com/jule-pattison-gordon) [Jule Pattison-Gordon](https://www.govtech.com/jule-pattison-gordon) Jule Pattison-Gordon is a senior staff writer for -Government Technology.- She previously wrote for PYMNTS and -The Bay State Banner-, and holds a B.A. in creative writing from Carnegie Mellon. She’s based outside Boston.-
[See More Stories by Jule Pattison-Gordon](https://www.govtech.com/jule-pattison-gordon) [](https://www.govtech.com/thad-rueter) [Thad Rueter](https://www.govtech.com/thad-rueter) Thad Rueter writes about the business of government technology. He covered local and state governments for newspapers in the Chicago area and Florida, as well as e-commerce, digital payments and related topics for various publications. He lives in Wisconsin. –
[See More Stories by Thad Rueter](https://www.govtech.com/thad-rueter)
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