Understanding the 2024 MISA Municipal Cybersecurity Survey: Key Insights and Takeaways
The 2024 MISA Municipal Cybersecurity Survey offers a comprehensive look into the state of cybersecurity across Ontario municipalities. With increasing reliance on digital systems and growing cyber threats, this report highlights critical gaps, challenges, and opportunities for municipalities to strengthen their security posture.
Here's a summary of the key findings and why they matter.
Key Insights from the Survey
1. Lack of Dedicated Cybersecurity Roles
A staggering 72% of municipalities reported having no dedicated cybersecurity roles. This gap leaves IT departments stretched thin, making it harder to:
Detect and respond to cyber threats.
Build and maintain proactive security strategies.
Identify areas for improvement.
2. Minimal Budget Allocation for Cybersecurity
54% of municipalities allocate less than 5% of their IT budget to cybersecurity. Limited budgets significantly hinder:
Implementing advanced cybersecurity solutions.
Building long-term IT resilience against growing threats.
3. Centralized Cyber Functions Are Rare
Only 15% of municipalities reported having a centralized cyber function that reports to a non-technical role. This lack of structure:
Makes it harder to coordinate cybersecurity efforts effectively.
Increases reliance on provisional measures rather than cohesive strategies.
4. Top Cybersecurity Challenges
Municipalities cited the following as their top challenges in 2024:
1️⃣ Lack of security-by-design: Infrastructure and systems not built with security as a foundational element.
2️⃣ Inadequate security budgets: Limited resources to address vulnerabilities.
3️⃣ Increase in cyberattacks: More frequent and sophisticated threats targeting public systems.
Why These Findings Matter
The survey emphasizes the urgent need for municipalities to rethink their approach to cybersecurity. With critical infrastructure and resident data at stake, the repercussions of a cyberattack—operational downtime, financial losses, and reputational damage—can be devastating.
How Edgeworx Can Help
At Edgeworx Solutions, we specialize in helping municipalities address these challenges through cost-effective, tailored solutions:
Comprehensive Assessments: Identify vulnerabilities with tools like the M365 Security Best Practices Assessment and CIS-18 Security Framework Assessment.
Cost Optimization: Save money by evaluating and streamlining licensing, platforms, and resources.
Proactive Strategies: Build security-by-design into your IT infrastructure to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Tailored Tools: Provide solutions that fit your municipality’s unique needs, resources, and budget.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 MISA Municipal Cybersecurity Survey highlights an opportunity for Ontario municipalities to strengthen their cybersecurity strategies and build resilience against evolving threats.
Strengthening cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. By investing in the right strategies and partnerships, municipalities can protect critical assets, ensure compliance, and build resilience for the future.
