Municipalities rely heavily on technology to deliver essential services, yet many local governments remain vulnerable to IT failures and cyberattacks. A striking example is the 2019 ransomware attack on Baltimore, which crippled city operations for weeks and cost over $18 million in recovery efforts and lost revenue. This incident highlights why robust IT services are not just a luxury but a necessity for local governments.
IT concerns for municipalities go beyond just cybersecurity. Compliance with regulations, IT modernization, and operational efficiency are equally crucial. Outdated systems can slow down processes, create inefficiencies, and ultimately affect the quality of public services. A well-managed IT infrastructure ensures faster response times, better communication, and more effective data management for local governments.
In the next sections, we’ll explore these key points in detail — and why they are essential for efficient public service delivery.
Why reliable IT services are fundamental for local governments
1. Cybersecurity: protecting citizens and critical services
Cyberattacks on municipalities are on the rise. In 2024, 34% of state and local government organizations were hit by ransomware, according to a report by Sophos. These attacks can halt emergency response systems, disrupt utility billing, and expose sensitive citizen data. Municipalities must implement strong cybersecurity measures, such as 24/7 network monitoring, data encryption, and employee training, to prevent and mitigate these threats.
Beyond ransomware, other cybersecurity risks include phishing attacks targeting government employees and data breaches exposing Social Security numbers, tax records, and voting information. Inadequate security not only threatens residents’ privacy but can also result in hefty fines, lawsuits, and loss of public trust.
2. Strategic IT Modernization: keeping up with the digital era
Technology evolves rapidly, and municipalities that rely on outdated hardware and legacy software face significant challenges. Old systems are often vulnerable to cyber threats, prone to crashes, and incompatible with modern digital services. For example, cities that upgraded to cloud-based solutions saw increased efficiency in handling permit applications, citizen complaints, and budgeting processes.
Modern IT infrastructure also enables municipalities to integrate smart city solutions, such as real-time traffic monitoring, automated waste management, and digital public services. These advancements reduce operational costs, improve sustainability, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
3. Compliance with regulations: avoiding fines and legal risks
Local governments must comply with numerous IT-related regulations, including:
- CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) for law enforcement data security
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) for municipalities handling healthcare data
- PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) for cities processing online payments
Failure to meet these standards can result in legal penalties, data breaches, and loss of funding. IT services play a crucial role in ensuring compliance by implementing security protocols, conducting audits, and updating systems regularly.
Why local governments should partner with a Managed Service Provider (MSP)
Municipalities have two main options to handle IT: hiring an internal IT team or outsourcing to an MSP (Managed Service Provider). Hiring an in-house team involves recruitment challenges, high salaries, and ongoing training costs.
In contrast, partnering with an MSP provides access to a team of experts at a fraction of the cost. MSPs offer round-the-clock monitoring, proactive maintenance, and scalable IT solutions without the overhead of an internal department. They also bring specialized expertise in government regulations, cybersecurity, and modern IT infrastructure, ensuring municipalities stay compliant and secure.
Syntech: trusted IT services for local governments for over 15 years
At Syntech, we understand the unique IT challenges faced by local governments. For over 15 years, we have provided secure, efficient, and cost-effective IT solutions for municipalities, helping them modernize operations, enhance cybersecurity, and maintain regulatory compliance.
Whether you need 24/7 IT support, cloud solutions, or a full-scale cybersecurity strategy, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to ensure your municipality’s IT infrastructure is ready for the future!
