Municipal websites are high-value targets for cybercriminals. They handle sensitive data, serve as trusted information sources, and often run on limited IT budgets. A security breach can expose resident information, spread misinformation, disrupt services, and damage public trust. This guide covers essential security practices every municipality should implement.
Why Municipal Websites Are Targeted
Understanding why attackers target government websites helps prioritize defenses.
High-Value Targets
Municipal websites offer attackers:
Trusted Domain Authority: Government websites carry inherent trust. A compromised .gov site can effectively distribute phishing links or malware because visitors assume it's safe.
Sensitive Data: Utility billing, permit applications, and other services collect personal information including names, addresses, payment details, and identification numbers.
Political Statement Opportunities: Hacktivists target government sites to make political statements through defacement or service disruption.
Ransomware Leverage: Local governments often pay ransoms to restore services, making them lucrative targets.
Common Vulnerabilities
Municipal websites frequently have:
- Outdated content management systems
- Unpatched plugins and modules
- Weak password practices
- Limited security monitoring
- Insufficient backup procedures
- Third-party widgets with security flaws
Essential Security Measures
Every municipal website needs these foundational security practices.
Keep Software Updated
Outdated software is the most common entry point for attackers.
Content Management System: Update WordPress, Drupal, or other CMS platforms promptly when security patches are released. Major vulnerabilities in popular CMS platforms are exploited within hours of disclosure.
Plugins and Modules: Third-party extensions are frequent attack vectors. Update promptly, remove unused plugins, and only install from reputable sources.
Server Software: PHP, database servers, web servers, and operating systems all need regular updates.
Update Process:
- Test updates in staging environment first
- Maintain backups before applying updates
- Apply promptly once tested
- Document all updates
For ongoing update management, consider professional website maintenance services.
Implement Strong Authentication
Password-related attacks remain common. Strengthen authentication:
Password Requirements:
- Minimum 12 characters
- Complexity requirements (mixed case, numbers, symbols)
- No common passwords or dictionary words
- Regular password changes for high-privilege accounts
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for:
- All administrative accounts
- Staff with content editing access
- Remote access connections
- Payment system administration
Account Management:
- Remove accounts for departed employees immediately
- Review user permissions quarterly
- Use principle of least privilege
- Log all authentication attempts
Use HTTPS Everywhere
HTTPS (SSL/TLS) encrypts communication between visitors and your website.
Requirements:
- Valid SSL certificate from trusted authority
- Automatic HTTP to HTTPS redirect
- All pages served over HTTPS
- Mixed content warnings eliminated
Benefits:
- Protects sensitive form submissions
- Prevents content injection attacks
- Improves search engine rankings
- Builds visitor trust
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF filters malicious traffic before it reaches your website.
Protection Against:
- SQL injection attacks
- Cross-site scripting (XSS)
- Brute force login attempts
- Known vulnerability exploits
- Bot attacks
Implementation Options:
- Cloud-based WAF services (Cloudflare, Sucuri, AWS WAF)
- Server-level WAF (ModSecurity)
- Managed hosting with WAF included
Regular Backups
Backups enable recovery from any disaster.
Backup Strategy:
- Daily full backups minimum
- More frequent for high-change sites
- Include database and all files
- Store backups off-site
- Encrypt backup data
- Test restoration regularly
Retention:
- Daily backups: 30 days
- Weekly backups: 3 months
- Monthly backups: 1 year
- Annual backups: permanent
Security Monitoring
Proactive monitoring catches problems early.
What to Monitor:
- Failed login attempts
- File changes
- Database modifications
- Traffic anomalies
- Server resource usage
- SSL certificate expiration
Alerting:
- Real-time alerts for critical issues
- Daily summary reports
- Regular security scanning
Advanced Security Practices
Beyond basics, implement these enhanced measures.
Vulnerability Scanning
Regular scanning identifies weaknesses before attackers do.
Types of Scanning:
- Automated vulnerability scans (weekly minimum)
- Web application security testing
- Infrastructure security assessment
- Code review for custom development
Tools and Services:
- OWASP ZAP
- Nessus
- Qualys
- Commercial penetration testing services
Access Control
Limit who can access what.
Network Level:
- Restrict admin panel access by IP when possible
- VPN requirement for remote administration
- Network segmentation between web servers and databases
Application Level:
- Role-based access control
- Separate accounts for different functions
- Activity logging for all changes
Security Headers
HTTP security headers provide additional protection.
Essential Headers:
Content-Security-Policy: Prevents XSS and injection
X-Content-Type-Options: Prevents MIME sniffing
X-Frame-Options: Prevents clickjacking
Strict-Transport-Security: Enforces HTTPS
Implementation: Configure at web server or application level.
Third-Party Security
External services and widgets create risk.
Evaluation:
- Review security practices of third-party vendors
- Assess what data third parties can access
- Check for security certifications
- Review breach history
Ongoing Management:
- Monitor third-party security advisories
- Update embedded services promptly
- Remove unused integrations
- Review permissions regularly
Payment and Sensitive Data Security
Municipal websites handling payments or personal information need additional protections.
PCI DSS Compliance
If processing credit card payments:
Options:
- Hosted Payment Pages: Redirect to payment processor's secure page
- Embedded Frames: Payment fields in processor's iframe
- Direct Integration: Most complex, highest compliance burden
Recommendation: Use hosted or embedded options to minimize PCI scope.
Protecting Personal Information
For permit applications, utility accounts, and other services:
Collection:
- Only collect information you need
- Explain why you're collecting data
- Get consent where appropriate
Storage:
- Encrypt sensitive data at rest
- Limit database access
- Purge data when no longer needed
Transmission:
- Always use HTTPS
- Encrypt API communications
- Secure file transfers
Privacy Compliance
Understand applicable privacy requirements:
- State privacy laws
- Sector-specific regulations
- Open records implications
For more on this topic, see our guide on data privacy considerations for municipal websites.
Incident Response Planning
Despite best efforts, incidents may occur. Be prepared.
Incident Response Plan
Document procedures for:
Detection:
- Who monitors for incidents
- What triggers an alert
- How incidents are reported
Assessment:
- Initial triage procedures
- Severity classification
- Escalation criteria
Containment:
- Steps to limit damage
- Who can take systems offline
- Communication protocols
Recovery:
- Backup restoration procedures
- System rebuilding steps
- Testing before restoration
Post-Incident:
- Root cause analysis
- Documentation requirements
- Improvement implementation
- Required notifications
Team Responsibilities
Assign clear roles:
- Incident Commander: Overall coordination
- Technical Lead: Technical response
- Communications Lead: Internal and external messaging
- Legal/Compliance: Regulatory requirements
Practice Makes Perfect
Regularly test your response:
- Tabletop exercises
- Simulated incidents
- Backup restoration tests
- Communication drills
Security for Common Municipal Website Features
Different features have specific security considerations.
Online Forms
Forms collect data and create attack surfaces.
Protection:
- CAPTCHA to prevent automated submissions
- Input validation and sanitization
- Rate limiting
- File upload restrictions (type, size)
- Secure storage of submissions
Document Management
Meeting documents and public records need protection.
Considerations:
- Malware scanning of uploaded files
- Metadata removal before publishing
- Access controls for draft documents
User Accounts (Resident Portals)
If residents create accounts:
Security Requirements:
- Strong password requirements
- Account lockout after failed attempts
- Session management
- Secure password reset process
- Activity logging
Third-Party Integrations
Payment processors, mapping services, and other integrations:
Best Practices:
- Use official APIs and SDKs
- Authenticate all API calls
- Monitor integration activity
- Review permissions regularly
Building a Security Culture
Technology alone isn't enough. Security requires organizational commitment.
Staff Training
All staff who access the website need training on:
- Password best practices
- Phishing recognition
- Secure content management
- Incident reporting
Security Policies
Document and enforce:
- Acceptable use policies
- Password requirements
- Access request procedures
- Incident response protocols
Vendor Requirements
Include security requirements in vendor contracts:
- Security certifications
- Breach notification requirements
- Audit rights
- Insurance requirements
Security Compliance and Standards
Government websites may have specific compliance requirements.
CJIS Security Policy
If your website connects to criminal justice information systems, CJIS requirements apply.
State Requirements
Many states have:
- Government cybersecurity standards
- Breach notification requirements
- Data protection mandates
Industry Standards
Consider aligning with:
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- CIS Controls
- SOC 2 for vendors
Budget and Resources
Security requires investment. Prioritize based on risk.
Essential Budget Items
- SSL certificates (often included in hosting)
- WAF service: $10-$200/month
- Security monitoring: $50-$500/month
- Regular backups: Often included in maintenance
- Annual security assessment: $2,000-$10,000
Managed Security Options
Professional maintenance services often include:
- Security monitoring
- Vulnerability management
- Incident response
- Compliance assistance
Getting Started
Assess your current security posture:
- Inventory: List all systems, integrations, and data
- Assess: Identify vulnerabilities and risks
- Prioritize: Address highest risks first
- Implement: Deploy security controls
- Monitor: Ongoing vigilance
- Improve: Regular review and enhancement
At CivicSitePro, security is built into every website we build and maintain. Our municipal website design process incorporates security best practices from the start.
Need to assess your website's security? Request a free audit that includes security evaluation, or book a consultation to discuss your security needs.