In today’s digital world, web security is far more than a technical issue – it is essential for maintaining public trust, safeguarding sensitive data, and ensuring the continuous delivery of council services. Recent research shows that cyberattacks targeting organisations, including councils and public bodies, are on the rise, making robust web security measures vital for protecting both citizens and operations.
The Increasing Cyber Threat to Local Authorities
Cyber threats against local councils have escalated significantly in recent years. Just last month, Glasgow City Council discovered malicious activity on their servers and taking them offline disrupted their day-to-day and online services. A 2023 study revealed that 42% of small and medium public sector organisations suffered cyberattacks in the past year. These breaches can lead to data leaks, financial penalties, and undermine public confidence in council services.
Building a Secure Foundation for Your Council Website
At Zonkey Council Websites, we appreciate the critical importance of embedding security throughout the website development lifecycle. Here are key best practices to help ensure your council’s website remains safe and reliable:
- Implement HTTPS
Ensure your site uses HTTPS to encrypt communications between users and your servers, protecting sensitive resident data from interception. - Keep Software Updated
Maintain all website software, including content management systems and plugins, up to date to close known security gaps. - Strong Authentication Measures
Utilise multi-factor authentication (MFA) to provide an added layer of security for council staff accessing site management tools. - Encrypt Sensitive Data
Protect all sensitive information stored or transmitted by your website through strong encryption techniques. - Regular Security Assessments
Schedule frequent security audits and vulnerability scans to identify risks and address them promptly.
Training Council Staff on Cyber Awareness
Human error is often the weakest link in security. Providing regular training on cyber threats, phishing scams, and best practices helps council teams act as a robust first line of defence.
Zonkey’s Commitment to Secure Council Websites
Zonkey Council Websites is dedicated to delivering secure, resilient websites tailored for local authorities. Our development process incorporates secure coding standards, rigorous testing, and continuous monitoring of security trends to ensure your council website can withstand evolving cyber threats.
By adopting these essential security practices, councils can reduce the risk of cyberattacks, protect citizen data, and maintain public trust in their digital services.
If you’d like to discuss how Zonkey Council Websites can enhance your website’s security and resilience, please get in touch with our team.