Click Here When big cyberattacks hit small towns
10 snips
Nov 25, 2025 Nick Lawler, head of Littleton's municipal utility, shares the real-life implications of a cyberattack from Volt Typhoon, revealing how local infrastructure can be a target. Brandon Wells, a cybersecurity expert, discusses the challenges of defending against state-sponsored hacking and the importance of federal support. Together, they highlight vulnerabilities in small-town utilities and the pressing need for better defenses. Their insights unveil the hidden battles in cyberspace and the community stakes in maintaining secure digital infrastructure.
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Small-Town Reconnaissance Fuels Geopolitical Strategy
- Nation-state hackers map local utilities to prepare for future geopolitical crises.
- They gather system details so they can exploit weaknesses quickly if conflict arises.
Use Federal Cyber Support Proactively
- Use federal help like CISA for testing, patching, and grants to secure local utilities.
- Seek federal support proactively because smaller towns often lack dedicated cybersecurity staff.
Mowing The Lawn When The FBI Called
- Nick Lawler got a phone call while mowing that prompted him to call the FBI and learn Littleton was hacked.
- He initially suspected a scam and chose to verify by calling the local FBI field office directly.
