Protection against cyber attacks: The Incident Response Service for local authorities

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in cyberattacks on local authorities. The BSI’s latest report on the state of IT security reveals worrying findings. On average, two local authority organisations fall victim to a ransomware attack every month. As part of these attacks, not only were servers encrypted, but citizens’ data was also stolen and, in some cases, published on data leak websites. This included, amongst other things, entire directories containing individuals’ files. The affected local authorities were generally unable to provide their administrative services for several days or even weeks. In some cases, the impact was still being felt months after the incident itself.

Given this threat landscape, local authorities are not only reliant on preventative security solutions, but also require a robust plan for emergencies. Telekom Security’s Incident Response Service (IRS) offers comprehensive support in this regard, enabling them to respond effectively to cyber incidents and implement long-term security strategies. The following section discusses the extent to which Telekom Security’s Incident Response Service takes into account the specific requirements of local authority organisations and the concrete benefits it offers them.
 

The threat landscape described above presents local authorities with a wide range of challenges when it comes to protecting their digital infrastructure. The increasing complexity and frequency of cyberattacks require specialist knowledge and resources, which are often in short supply. The key challenges facing local authorities in the context of cybersecurity are set out below.

• Tight Budgets: Cybersecurity for Local Authorities Despite Limited ResourcesThe
  financial constraints faced by many local authorities pose a challenge when it comes to implementing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. As a result, only the most basic protective measures can be put in place, whilst advanced and preventative measures are neglected. The Incident Response Service can help address this by offering cost-effective and scalable solutions.
• Threats are on the rise: local authorities in the crosshairs of cybercriminals
  The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and cybercriminals are becoming increasingly innovative in their methods of attack. Local authorities are an attractive target for attackers, as they store sensitive data and provide critical services. Without specialised security resources, it is difficult for local authorities to keep pace with the ever-changing threats.
• A rapid response is essential: measures to take in the event of cyber attacks on local authorities
  . In the event of a cyber attack, a rapid and coordinated response is crucial to minimising the damage and restoring the integrity of the systems. However, many local authorities do not have the necessary resources or expertise to deal effectively with such an incident. With the Incident Response Service, experienced experts are available to assist you round the clock.
• Overcoming internal resistance: Strengthening the security culture in local authorities
  . For staff, the introduction of new security measures often places an additional burden on them. New processes and technologies must be understood and implemented without disrupting day-to-day operations. Structured onboarding and regular training sessions provided by the IRS help to minimise this additional burden and establish a security culture within the organisation.
   

The challenges mentioned highlight the importance of a specialised incident response service for local authorities. But what specific services does the IRS actually provide?

Telekom Security’s Incident Response Service (IRS) offers a comprehensive range of services that can be tailored to individual needs. These services help to quickly identify, contain and resolve cyber incidents in order to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. 

The key components of the IRS are:
 

• IRS hotline available round the clock (24/7): Ongoing support in the event of cyber incidents
  A key component of the IRS is the hotline, which is available round the clock. In the event of a cyber incident, local authorities can call on a team of experts at any time to provide immediate support. This round-the-clock availability ensures that critical response times are met and that initial damage-limitation measures can be implemented straight away.
• Onboarding Workshop: Tailor-made security solutions for local authorities
  The IRS begins with a comprehensive onboarding workshop, during which the specific needs and structures of the local authority are analysed. As part of the workshop, alerting procedures, points of contact and response plans are established. This ensures that, in the event of an emergency, everyone involved knows exactly what steps to take and who to contact.
• Digital Forensics: Root Cause Analysis and Evidence Preservation in the Event of Cyber Attacks
  In the event of a cyber attack, it is crucial to determine the cause and effect quickly and accurately. The IRS offers comprehensive digital forensics services to analyse affected systems, preserve evidence and identify the attack vector. The results of these analyses not only aid in the immediate management of the incident but also provide valuable insights for improving security measures.
• On-site deployment: Expert support directly on site
  In the event of serious incidents, it is often necessary for experts to take action directly at the scene. The IRS provides specialist teams who can arrive at the affected site at very short notice. They identify the affected systems, minimise the damage and ensure that normal operations are restored.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Tailored security solutions for every local authority
  The IRS is flexible and can be adapted to the individual needs and IT infrastructures of local authorities. This allows the service to be seamlessly integrated into existing systems without the need to install additional software or agents. This minimises disruption and ensures a rapid and efficient response.
   

The comprehensive services offered by Telekom Security’s IRS ensure that local authorities are well equipped to fend off cyberattacks and protect their digital infrastructure. The combination of immediate support, specialist forensics and bespoke solutions makes the IRS an indispensable resource for IT security in the public sector.

Telekom Security’s Incident Response Service is characterised by a number of unique selling points.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) maintains a list of qualified service providers specialising in responding to Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). Telekom Security is listed on this list as a qualified APT response service provider. This qualification demonstrates a high level of expertise and compliance with strict standards in responding to APTs. Furthermore, the BSI has defined a number of essential criteria that a qualified APT response service provider must meet. Telekom Security is one of the few service providers to meet all these criteria, with the exception of legal advice. 

Furthermore, Telekom Security’s IRS is vendor-neutral. This means that the IRS’s services and solutions are not tied to any specific software or hardware. This vendor neutrality enables the IRS to recommend and implement the best and most effective solution in each case, flexibly and objectively.

The threat landscape outlined above highlights the need for security measures. Today, the question is no longer whether one’s own infrastructure will come under attack. Rather, the question is how to protect one’s own infrastructure in such a way that an attack is detected and repelled as quickly as possible. For such scenarios, Telekom Security’s IRS offers you not only first-class expertise and services, but also the opportunity to reduce the strain on your own resources and staff in the field of cyber security.

Telekom Security is one of the largest IT service providers for the public sector in Germany. We have successfully collaborated with the Federal Office for Information Security on numerous projects and have gained extensive experience in digitising and protecting the public sector. This expertise is at your disposal at all times.