Sara Jodka Quoted in Wall Street Journal Article on Federal Cybersecurity Help for Cities, States

Dickinson Wright Attorney Sara Jodka (Member, Columbus) was recently quoted in the Wall Street Journal Pro Cybersecurity article titled “Cities, States Need Federal Cybersecurity Help, Lawmakers Say.”

The article discusses draft legislation by two congressmen that would provide cybersecurity assistance to state, local and tribal governments. Reps. John Katko (R – N.Y.) and Cedric Richmond (D – La.) said during a House Homeland Security Committee meeting that each of them is putting together a bill to direct financial and technical support to municipalities. This comes after several ransomware hacks crippled major cities in recent weeks.

The poor defenses generally stem from a dearth of resources and inadequate threat awareness, said Ms. Jodka. The vulnerability makes local governments a gold mine for criminals.

“Not only do they not have the budgets, they don’t have the proper understanding of cybersecurity requirements,” Ms. Jodka said.