States and Localities Seek Unified Front Against Ransomware Threats

With ransomware attacks on the rise, some state and local governments are pooling resources with the hope of improving their cybersecurity defenses.

Ransomware attacks, where hackers breach a computer network, lock up data and demand a ransom to release it, are becoming more frequent in the public and private sector. The attacks often cause costly disruptions, not to mention the potential loss of sensitive data.

For states, localities and other public institutions, ransomware can cause problems with important public services, making it a top concern for many officials.