Cyber Security in NSW Local Government - Updated Guidelines

Cyber security attacks pose a significant threat to local councils, compromising data integrity and citizen trust. The Australian Cyber Security Centre estimates the cost of an attack at $60,000 for medium-sized businesses, with larger attacks costing much more.

On January 24, 2025, the NSW Office of Local Government updated its Cyber Security Guidelines for Councils, aligning them with state government standards. These guidelines emphasise a risk-based approach, prioritising the highest risks with cost-effective controls across the entire organisation.

Centium has helped many councils assess their cyber security maturity against these guidelines. These assessments identify strengths, significant gaps, and potential consequences, providing a clear roadmap for improvement.

Benefits of an Assessment:

• Identify and Mitigate Risks: Gain a comprehensive understanding of your current cyber security posture and address vulnerabilities.
• Prioritise Resources: Allocate budgets effectively to tackle the highest risks with the most cost-effective controls.
• Enhance Trust: Strengthen data integrity and maintain citizen trust by proactively managing cyber security threats.

Next Steps: If your council hasn't had a recent independent assessment, we can help. Visit our website to learn more about our cybersecurity services for local government: https://centium.com.au/services/cyber-security-information-management-audit/#/