IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Lucas Ropek

Staff Writer

Lucas Ropek is a former staff writer for Government Technology.

Cybersecurity

Social Engineering Attack Nets $1.7M in Government Funds

Believing it was working with a trusted contractor to change banking information, Cabarrus County, N.C., paid scammers $2.5 million. The incident highlights yet another way cyberthieves are targeting government.

August 14, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Emerging Tech

California Could Ban Facial Recognition in Police Body Cams

New legislation in the state comes amidst a nationwide backlash against facial recognition technology, which has in recent weeks been criticized by privacy advocates at both the city and state levels.

August 13, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Hackers Vandalize Minnesota Government Websites

Internet vandals targeted two webpages under the Department of Human Services with an anti-government message. Officials say it does not appear that any sensitive information was accessed in the incident.

August 08, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Why School Systems? The Rise of Ransomware in Public Schools

Due to their wealth of data and limited budget for cybersecurity staff and training, schools have drawn the eye of hackers. Experts recommend backing up data and investing in cybersecurity training and preparedness.

August 08, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
People and Careers

Westminster, Colo., Names Longtime Employee as IT Director

Emily Littlejohn, the city's new IT director, has worked with the city since 2012, having performed in a number of capacities within the Parks and Recreation, Human Resources and Library departments.

August 07, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Broadband & Network

Oregon Experiencing Widespread Connectivity Issues

A problem with “some network infrastructure hardware” has been affecting state agencies since Friday morning. The intermittent connectivity issues are impacting access to state websites and call centers.

August 05, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Amazon's Ring Video Camera Alarms Privacy Advocates

The new home security IoT product, which has seen widespread use by law enforcement agencies across the country, allows police to view home surveillance footage to assist with their investigations.

August 01, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Broadband & Network

Verizon 5G Goes Live in Four More Major U.S. Cities

The company announced Wednesday the addition of Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Detroit; and Indianapolis, Ind., to its growing list of next-generation Internet-capable cities. Five other cities already have the service.

July 31, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Georgia Public Safety Agency Hit with Ransomware Attack

The attack, which was discovered late last week, is the latest in a string of cyberincidents targeting government agencies of all sizes. State officials say they are working to get systems back to normal.

July 29, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Election Security Needs Increased Federal Investment

A report published by the Brennan Center warns that states and localities are ill equipped to defend themselves against the sophisticated, well-resourced intelligence agencies of foreign governments.

July 26, 2019
· Lucas Ropek