Ohio sets new cybersecurity rules for local governments, including public approval of ransomware payments

Following a string of cyberattacks on local governments across Ohio, the state is now requiring all local governments to have cybersecurity policies and to approve ransom payments to hackers in full view of the public.

Proponents of the new requirements, which were tucked into the new state budget, say they’re needed to increase transparency and ensure that local governments can protect their computer systems from increasingly sophisticated online attacks from criminals who pilfer constituents’ personal data and hold entire computer systems for ransom.

But some local-government groups say they’re uncomfortable with the new rules – both on practical grounds and on principle.

Read more at Cleveland