An increased threat in cyber attacks has local officials on high alert.
The Michigan Municipal League (MML) advises the state’s cities and villages cyber security issues.
They’ve received over 5,000 cyber attacks on their website since the start of the war in Ukraine.
MML sent out an email to local governments advising them to keep their cyber defense systems up to date.
MML’s IT and Operations Director Dene Westbrook says the purpose of the email was to be prepared and ready.
While typically the scope of Russia’s cyber attacks are large, Kingsley Village Manager Dan Hawkins says they are prepared for any cyber attacks.
“We always remind folks, appointed, elected, to maintain a level of high vigilance when dealing with technology,” said Hawkins.
Hawkins says times have changed, and war isn’t the way it once was.
“It’s not shoot’em up bang-bang anymore,” Hawkins stated. “We have to be aware that any and all means of taking over another country, or taking over anybody. will be done in any way the adversary can find to do it.”
Although most people know of Russia’s cyber attacks on corporations, Hawkins knows that isn’t all that they are after.
“In a small town, when it comes to a venue for which our adversaries can enter and get what they want,” said Hawkins. “We have to realize we ain’t small, we’re
just as big as the big guys.”
Hawkins assures that cyber security for people and governmental officials in Kingsley is protected. “We are staying on top of the latest technology in cyber defense,” he said.
MML is advising people to watch what they click online, install anti-virus or anti-malware software and have up-to-date operating systems.
“Those three things can probably protect you more than anything else,” Westbrook said.
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