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Lucas Ropek

Staff Writer

Lucas Ropek is a former staff writer for Government Technology.

Cybersecurity

Baltimore Authorizes Purchase of $20M Cyberinsurance Policy

Months after a ransomware attack cost the city around $18 million, officials approved the purchase of a cyberliability policy to help with any future incidents. The move is one being made by governments across the U.S.

October 16, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Report: Schools One of the Biggest Targets for Ransomware

School districts have seen a stark rise in cyberattacks in just the last several years, according to the newly released report. Part of the problem could be traced back to digitally savvy students.

October 09, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
People and Careers

Baltimore IT Chief, City Part Ways, Official Confirms

CIO Frank Johnson weathered a catastrophic ransomware attack in May, but faced much criticism for how the IT department handled the incident. He took leave in September, and the city now confirms that he’s moved on.

October 07, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Microsoft: Iran-Linked Hackers Targeted Presidential Campaign

The hacking group known as Phosphorus, active since 2013, has been involved in myriad attempted cyberattacks against American officials and organizations, including at least one campaign in the race for the U.S. presidency.

October 04, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Mississippi Audit: Agencies Not Complying with Cybersecurity Law

A recent report from the state auditor's office showed widespread noncompliance with routine cybersecurity protections. The gaps could open the state to unnecessary threats as hackers aggressively target government.

October 04, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Policy

California Proposal Would Create Privacy Enforcement Agency

The initiative also seeks to bolster various protections already extant in the California Consumer Privacy Act. The agency would be responsible for enforcement of the new landmark privacy legislation.

October 01, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Audit: Baltimore Data Losses Due to Insufficient Backups

A recently released report states that information was lost after only being saved on local servers. The lack of available data hampered the ongoing recovery efforts and raised questions about protocols.

September 30, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

New York AG Sues Dunkin’ Donuts Over Data Breach Handling

The company is alleged to have violated New York's data breach notification laws by repeatedly failing to take adequate action to safeguard consumers, or to inform them about the true extent of attacks.

September 27, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Emerging Tech

Facial Recognition Software on the Rise in U.S. Schools

As school officials across the country worry about how to stop the next mass shooting, biometric technologies and expanded surveillance systems have become attractive alternatives to traditional security procedures.

September 26, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Free Federal Program Helps Local Govs Beef Up Cybersecurity

Part of the Department of Homeland Security, the Cybersecurity Assessments program offers its services to any public or private organization that requests them, and could be a boon to smaller governments in particular.

October/November 2019
· Lucas Ropek