Report by KnowBe4

State and Local Cybersecurity: Facing New Burdens Amid Rising Threats

5 FINDINGSPublished May 27, 2025
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Key Findings

Average ransom per attack on state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments reached $872,656 between 2018 and December 2024, with total costs exceeding $1.09 billion.

KnowBe4State and Local Cybersecurity: Facing New Burdens Amid Rising Threats·May 27, 2025
GovernmentRansomwareRansom

70% of surveyed state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) organizations cite lack of sufficient funding as their top security concern

KnowBe4State and Local Cybersecurity: Facing New Burdens Amid Rising Threats·May 27, 2025
GovernmentBudget

Security awareness training reduced phishing susceptibility from approximately 33.1% to just 4.1% after one year in state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments.

KnowBe4State and Local Cybersecurity: Facing New Burdens Amid Rising Threats·May 27, 2025
GovernmentSecurity awareness trainingPhishing

More than 80% of government organizations operate with fewer than five dedicated cybersecurity employees.

KnowBe4State and Local Cybersecurity: Facing New Burdens Amid Rising Threats·May 27, 2025
GovernmentEmployeesStaff

Security awareness training reduced phishing susceptibility from approximately 33.1% to just 4.1% after one year in state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments.

KnowBe4State and Local Cybersecurity: Facing New Burdens Amid Rising Threats·May 27, 2025
GovernmentSecurity awareness trainingPhishing