Local councils across Australia are facing increased pressure to enhance their cybersecurity strategies in response to a rising wave of cyberattacks targeting government entities.
Experts are advising councils to integrate Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) into their operations to address vulnerabilities and improve response readiness.
Recent cyber incidents have disrupted council services, exposed sensitive information, and revealed significant gaps in digital defence.
In April 2023, Queensland’s Isaac Regional Council experienced a ransomware attack that led to widespread IT system shutdowns and required external support for recovery.
In July 2024, over 40,000 files were stolen and leaked from South Australia’s Wattle Range Council following an attack by the LockBit ransomware group.
Tasmania’s Glenorchy City Council also reported unauthorised activity in an externally managed system, sparking concerns over third-party IT vulnerabilities.
According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s 2023–24 Annual Cyber Threat Report, nearly 94,000 cybercrime incidents were reported within a year—a 23% increase compared to the previous reporting period. Of those, 13% affected government entities, including local councils.
As digital responsibilities grow, councils are becoming increasingly attractive to cybercriminals. However, many lack the infrastructure, staffing, and expertise needed to defend against modern threats.
Common issues include outdated systems, limited technical personnel, insufficient training, and inadequate contractor oversight.
MSSPs offer councils a range of services that address these challenges. From continuous threat monitoring and incident response to vulnerability management and compliance support, these providers deliver security capabilities that most councils cannot sustain internally.
Cybersecurity firms are tailoring their services to meet the specific needs of local governments. This includes developing incident response plans, providing staff training, conducting audits and penetration testing, and supporting compliance with the federal Cyber Security Strategy 2023–2030.
Audits continue to uncover systemic weaknesses. A 2023 report from the NSW Auditor-General revealed that many councils lacked basic safeguards such as multi-factor authentication and formal incident response plans.
Melbourne-based firm Borderless CS is among the MSSPs supporting councils and not-for-profit organisations across the country.
The company provides scalable security services, ranging from business-hour protection to fully managed 24/7 coverage, aimed at improving cyber resilience.
As digital threats escalate and regulatory requirements tighten, local governments are being urged to treat cybersecurity as an organisation-wide responsibility. Industry guidance and national strategies alike point to the growing importance of forming strategic partnerships with trusted security providers.
Adopting MSSP solutions is increasingly viewed not just as a preventative measure, but as a critical component for maintaining essential services and public trust.
