States Should Learn From Each Other to Close Cybersecurity Gaps | Blogs | May 4, 2026
States Should Learn From Each Other to Close Cybersecurity Gaps | Blogs | May 4, 2026
Publish Date: 2026-05-04 15:56:00
Source Domain: itif.org
Cyberattacks have surged nationwide, affecting nearly every critical infrastructure sector. In Minot, North Dakota, a ransomware attack targeted the city’s water treatment plant and forced staff to run the facility manually for 16 hours. In Winona County, Minnesota, attacks shut down critical systems for the second time this year alone, prompting the governor to activate the National Guard. These and other incidents illustrate that threat actors are probing every layer of state and local governments to exploit any gaps. Some states have adopted proactive strategies to strengthen their cyber capabilities, but many still lag, underscoring the need for every state to act and follow emerging state models that strengthen coordination, standardize practices, and close the gaps that threat actors continue to exploit.
Texas emerged as an early leader in strengthening its cybersecurity by launching a statewide Cyber Command Center in June 2025, creating a centralized hub that finds and fixes vulnerabilities in government systems, trains public‑sector workers, and coordinates rapid responses to cyber incidents. The state acted after a wave of escalating attacks, including breaches that shut down services in Mission and Abilene and exposed 300,000 transportation records. To strengthen long‑term resilience, Texas also partnered with academic institutions to build a cybersecurity talent pipeline, with the University of Texas at San Antonio investing heavily in facilities that will train the state’s future cyber workforce.
Nevada’s Governor’s Technology Office in February 2026 issued a statewide data classification policy in response to a cyber attack that infiltrated state systems, exposed 3,200 files, and cost $1.5 million to resolve. The policy establishes four clear categories—public, sensitive, confidential, and restricted—to guide cybersecurity efforts by aligning protections with risk levels. Before the attack, agencies relied on inconsistent practices…
