CYBERSECURITY AND DIGITAL GOVERNANCE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Abstract

Introduction. The article examines the transformation of cybersecurity from a narrowly technical category into a fundamental strategic factor in the resilience of local governments (LGs). In the context of a full-scale war and the intensification of cyberattacks on municipal infrastructure, ensuring the security of local information resources becomes a critical condition for maintaining the trust of residents and the continuity of public services.

The purpose of the article is to theoretically substantiate the conceptual field of cybersecurity in the municipal government system, analyze the regulatory and legal support for digital governance at the local level, and develop a comprehensive model for managing cyber risks in territorial communities.

Materials and methods. The study is based on the analysis of regulatory and legal acts of Ukraine, strategic documents in the field of digitalization, CERT-UA reports, and analytical materials of NATO CCDCOE. The methods of system analysis, etymological and semantic analysis of concepts, as well as the modeling method for developing algorithms for cyber protection of local governments were applied.

Results. A four-component conceptual field was defined (cybersecurity, information security, e-governance, digital governance), which forms the basis of modern municipal management. It is proven that the digitalization of local governments has a dual nature, requiring the implementation of cybersecurity as an institutional “filter”. The impact of martial law on the digital resilience of communities was analyzed and key vulnerabilities were identified: financial constraints, personnel shortage and technological debt. A four-component risk management model (normative-institutional, organizational, technical and personnel blocks) was proposed, which involves the integration of security by design principles into municipal processes and the implementation of the role of CDTO/CISO at the local level.

Prospects. Further research should be directed at studying mechanisms for intermunicipal cooperation in the field of cyber defense (joint SIEM systems), developing models of financial support (subsidies) to strengthen the cyber resilience of communities, and implementing the requirements of the NIS2 Directive in the activities of local governments.