West Montgomery Times

Jan 31 2024

HARRISBURG – The Senate Communications and Technology Committee, chaired by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, and the Senate Local Government Committee, chaired by Sen. Rosemary M. Brown, held a public hearing to examine the cybersecurity threats faced by local governments and municipal authorities in Pennsylvania. The recent cyberattacks on the Bucks County emergency dispatch system and the Aliquippa Water Authority served as a reminder of the vulnerability of these organizations.

During the hearing, Sen. Pennycuick emphasized the impact of cyberattacks on local governments and public authorities, stating, "The havoc and serious damage that these incursions can have on local governments, public authorities and the people they serve are not only disruptive but also present a direct threat to public safety." Sen. Brown also stressed the importance of cybersecurity, stating, "Thankfully, there are individuals who prioritize infrastructure safety."

Mai Abdelhakim from the University of Pittsburgh highlighted the challenge of running operations remotely over the internet, stating, "Systems of operational technology traditionally used to operate in isolated networks that are disconnected from the global internet, but now they are increasingly utilizing internet connections often without having adequate cybersecurity measures." Joe Sassano, Executive Director of IT and Chief Information Officer for York County, mentioned that the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) is working with counties to address the growing threat. He stated, "In York County, cybersecurity needs have driven most of our IT-related projects and, subsequently, most of our IT budget for the last several years."

An important aspect discussed during the hearing was the human element in cybersecurity. John Berti of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association and the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority highlighted the significance of employee awareness and prevention of cyberattacks through email. He mentioned that Wyoming Valley implemented a security awareness service to help employees prevent cyberattacks.

The issue of funding to prevent cyberattacks and potential ransom payments was also brought up during the hearing. The recent incidents involving Bucks County's emergency dispatch and Aliquippa's water system served as examples of the growing trend of cyberattacks. Sen. Pennycuick emphasized the need to take these threats seriously and work together to improve cybersecurity measures.

Sen. Brown expressed gratitude for the participation of local government and cybersecurity leaders in the hearing and emphasized the importance of finding solutions to minimize cybersecurity issues within local government systems.

The joint panel also heard from representatives of various organizations, including the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the Pennsylvania Municipal League, and information technology provider Unisys.

To access the hearing video and written testimony, visit SenatorPennycuick.com and SenatorBrown40.com.

CONTACTS: Mackenzie Mueller (Sen. Brown) Matt Szuchyt (Sen. Pennycuick)