Research Article

CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND

Number: 2026 June 29, 2026
TR EN

CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND

Abstract

Cybersecurity constitutes one of the most important policy and management concerns. While the United States (U.S.) federal government focuses on large-scale solutions to cybersecurity challenges, state and local governments should not expect the federal government to provide all responses. For this reason, states must take precautions to minimize cyberattacks and create a secure cyberspace. However, state governments face challenges such as a lack of sufficient funding, inadequate availability of cybersecurity professionals, a lack of documented processes, and the increasing sophistication of threats. This study examines barriers to addressing cybersecurity challenges in the U.S. state and local governments and discusses the types of strategies these governments should adopt to be most effective in enhancing cybersecurity. By analyzing second-hand interview data with Maryland state and local government officials, the study identifies (1) building partnerships with the larger security community and outsourcing security needs, (2) creating a cybersecurity strategic plan, and (3) enabling more law enforcement as the most crucial steps in addressing cybersecurity challenges. Critically, even Maryland, a relatively well-resourced state, struggles with these barriers, meaning that less-resourced states likely face even greater vulnerabilities.

Keywords

References

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  2. Babcock, S. (2019). Gov. Hogan creates CISO position for State of Maryland. Technical.Ly. https://technical.ly/civic-news/gov-hogan-creates-chief-information-security-officer-john-evans-position-for-state-of-maryland/
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  4. Baker, A. (2018). An ‘Iceberg’ of Unseen Crimes: Many Cyber Offenses Go Unreported. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/05/nyregion/cyber-crimes-unreported.html
  5. BBC News. (2023). European Commission bans TikTok on staff devices. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64743991
  6. Beaver, K. (2013). The 5 Common Network Security Vulnerabilities that Are Often Overlooked. https://www.acunetix.com/blog/articles/the-top-5-network-security-vulnerabilities/
  7. Benedikt, M. (Ed.). (1994). Cyberspace: First steps (7th print). MIT Press.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Cybercrime, American Studies

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 29, 2026

Submission Date

January 20, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 13, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 2026

APA
Karakoç, M. (2026). CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND. Güvenlik Çalışmaları Dergisi, 2026, 1-27. https://doi.org/10.54627/gcd.1868135
AMA
1.Karakoç M. CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND. TJSS. 2026;(2026):1-27. doi:10.54627/gcd.1868135
Chicago
Karakoç, Mesut. 2026. “CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND”. Güvenlik Çalışmaları Dergisi, nos. 2026: 1-27. https://doi.org/10.54627/gcd.1868135.
EndNote
Karakoç M (June 1, 2026) CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND. Güvenlik Çalışmaları Dergisi 2026 1–27.
IEEE
[1]M. Karakoç, “CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND”, TJSS, no. 2026, pp. 1–27, June 2026, doi: 10.54627/gcd.1868135.
ISNAD
Karakoç, Mesut. “CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND”. Güvenlik Çalışmaları Dergisi. 2026 (June 1, 2026): 1-27. https://doi.org/10.54627/gcd.1868135.
JAMA
1.Karakoç M. CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND. TJSS. 2026;:1–27.
MLA
Karakoç, Mesut. “CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND”. Güvenlik Çalışmaları Dergisi, no. 2026, June 2026, pp. 1-27, doi:10.54627/gcd.1868135.
Vancouver
1.Mesut Karakoç. CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL: THE CASE OF MARYLAND. TJSS. 2026 Jun. 1;(2026):1-27. doi:10.54627/gcd.1868135