How the Policing Sector Can Defend Against Breaches

Law enforcement agencies are under increasing attack from cybercriminals and nation-state actors. Ransomware can freeze dispatch systems, data breaches can compromise confidential informants, and phishing attacks can lock officers out of critical case management tools.

With the rise of digital policing (namely body-worn cameras, cloud-based records, drone surveillance, and smart city integrations), the threat landscape grows more complex every year.

Today, we're drawing from recent case studies, lessons from high-stress professions, legal trends like Bill C-26 in Canada, and SEC cyber disclosure rules in the U.S. to provide a roadmap for the policing sector to strengthen resilience and prevent operational disruption.

An Overview of Emerging Cyber Threats for Law Enforcement

Municipal police departments have increasingly become prime targets for ransomware groups, who view them as both vulnerable and high-value. Unlike private businesses, law enforcement agencies cannot simply “pause operations” until systems are restored. This urgency makes agencies more likely to consider ransom payments, especially when dispatch systems, case management platforms, or evidence databases are locked.

When dispatch centers go offline, 911 calls can be delayed or rerouted, putting lives at risk. Case files and investigative notes may be inaccessible, halting active investigations or prosecutions. In some instances, attackers exfiltrate sensitive evidence and threaten to leak it online unless demands are met, creating an extortion scenario that compounds the damage. The financial costs of ransomware are steep, but the operational and reputational impacts on public safety are even greater.

Next is the upward trend of data theft. For law enforcement agencies, data is both their most critical resource and their greatest vulnerability. Criminal records, fingerprints, DNA profiles, financial evidence, surveillance footage, and witness identities are invaluable to ongoing investigations. For attackers, however, this same data is an attractive prize. Stolen information can be sold on the dark web, used to blackmail individuals, or leveraged to undermine trust in the judicial process. For example, exposure of informant identities can place lives in immediate danger, while leaks of ongoing investigations may allow criminals to evade prosecution. Unlike a private sector breach, the theft of law enforcement data doesn’t just carry financial or reputational consequences—it directly undermines the ability to deliver justice.

Modern policing also increasingly relies on Internet of Things (IoT) devices and connected technologies. Body-worn cameras, in-vehicle laptops, automatic license plate readers, drones, and smart city sensors all feed critical data into law enforcement systems. Yet each of these devices represents a new entry point for attackers.

Many IoT devices have limited processing power, making it difficult to deploy traditional security software. Others may operate on outdated firmware or lack encryption altogether. Once compromised, these devices can provide attackers with a foothold into broader networks, or even manipulate evidence. For example, a hacked body camera could expose sensitive footage or allow an adversary to tamper with recordings. As police forces embrace smart city integrations—traffic systems, surveillance networks, emergency response coordination; the attack surface expands dramatically, requiring stronger, centralized cybersecurity controls.

At the heart of policing is public trust. Citizens rely on law enforcement not only to enforce laws but to safeguard their personal information. A single breach that exposes victim or witness data can have lasting repercussions on community relationships. Survivors of crimes may hesitate to come forward if they fear their personal details could later be leaked. Witnesses may refuse to cooperate if they believe their identities could be exposed.

Beyond individual cases, breaches erode institutional credibility. Media coverage of compromised police systems feeds narratives of incompetence, eroding public confidence in an agency’s ability to protect both digital and physical safety. In an era where transparency and accountability are already under scrutiny, law enforcement cannot afford the reputational damage of a cybersecurity failure. Protecting systems and data is not simply an IT function—it is a core responsibility tied directly to community trust and effective policing.

The Policing Sector: Cyberattacks in the News

• In 2019, the city of Baltimore suffered a ransomware attack that crippled police communication systems and delayed court cases for weeks. Estimated damages exceeded $18 million.

  • Lesson: Even a short disruption to police IT can endanger lives and erode trust.

• In 2021, the Metropolitan Police in the UK experienced a breach through a third-party supplier, exposing sensitive data on officers.

  • Lesson: Vendor risk management is critical; weak links in the supply chain can compromise core law enforcement operations.

Key Cybersecurity Solutions for Law Enforcement

Proactive Offensive Security begins pre-breach. The hallmarks of preventative cybersecurity solutions for the policing sector include:

1. Incident Response Planning

Law enforcement agencies must maintain detailed Incident Response Plans (IRPs), tested regularly with tabletop exercises.

These plans should clearly define roles, escalation paths, and external coordination with federal partners. IRPs reduce confusion during a crisis and help quantify financial, operational, and reputational fallout.

2. Advanced Threat Detection & Monitoring

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Centralized logging and real-time monitoring of suspicious activity.

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Protection for patrol car laptops, mobile devices, and servers against malware and intrusions.

• Threat Intelligence Feeds: Law enforcement can integrate cyber threat intel from agencies like the FBI, CISA, or INTERPOL to anticipate attacks.

3. Secure Cloud and Data Storage

As agencies migrate to cloud-based case management and evidence platforms, implementing Zero Trust architectures and end-to-end encryption is essential.

Proper identity and access management (IAM) ensures only authorized users can access sensitive case data.

4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) & Privileged Access Controls

Strong authentication is critical for law enforcement systems. MFA prevents unauthorized access, while privileged access monitoring ensures administrative accounts are not misused.

5. Cybersecurity Training for Officers and Staff

Just as officers train for field situations, they must also train for cyber risks. Regular phishing simulations, password hygiene education, and insider threat awareness reduce human error—the leading cause of breaches.

6. Collaboration with Cybersecurity Partners

Many local departments lack internal resources. Partnerships with Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) and penetration testing firms can fill the gap by providing 24/7 monitoring, vulnerability testing, and strategic security assessments.

Legal & Compliance Considerations

Legislation such as Canada’s Bill C-26 (Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act) and U.S. state-level mandates are raising the bar for public sector cybersecurity. Agencies must prepare for increased accountability, reporting obligations, and oversight. Failure to comply risks legal penalties in addition to reputational harm.

Conclusion

Modern policing requires modern defenses. Law enforcement agencies are guardians not just of communities, but of data, systems, and digital trust. Cybersecurity solutions—ranging from incident response planning and monitoring to secure cloud adoption and cultural awareness—are essential to ensure operational continuity and public safety.

At Packetlabs, we support law enforcement agencies in strengthening their cyber resilience through penetration testing, red teaming, and tailored security assessments. Our mission is to help agencies identify vulnerabilities before adversaries exploit them—ensuring officers can focus on what matters most: protecting the public.