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Local Governments Make the Leap to Cloud Security

The 2026 Cybersecurity Survey, conducted by Springbrook Software, a reputable name in finance and administration software for local governments, paints a striking picture of the current state of cybersecurity in the public sector. According to the survey, local government agencies are abandoning their aging legacy systems at an unprecedented rate, opting instead for cloud-based security solutions as a means to protect against rising cyber threats.

This comprehensive report is based on feedback from nearly 350 local government professionals, unveiling a significant transformation in how these entities are managing their software infrastructure. Over the past two years, it has become clear that many organizations are grappling with an era dominated by outdated enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms that have lost the confidence of their users. In response to these pressing concerns, local governments are making strategic moves to dismantle traditional on-premises systems in favor of modern, cloud-native environments that promise enhanced security measures and operational resilience.

A Shift Away from On-Premises Hosting

One of the report's key findings highlights the drastic decline in on-premises hosting solutions. The percentage of local governments utilizing on-site servers has plummeted from an overwhelming 86% in 2024 down to just 13% in 2025. This fundamental shift underscores a broader trend where agencies prioritize the advantages of Software as a Service (SaaS) models. These models not only provide more robust security features but also improve operational efficiency compared to maintaining outdated physical infrastructure.

Erosion of Trust in Legacy Systems

The survey also sheds light on a critical issue—an alarming erosion of trust in legacy software platforms. With one-third of respondents expressing doubt regarding the security reliability of their current finance platforms, it is clear that modernization has become imperative. The urgency for stability and trust has pushed local governments to seek the benefits of contemporary cloud solutions that offer enhanced security and reliability.

Fragmentation Remains a Challenge

While the transition to the cloud is well underway, many agencies still face significant fragmentation within their systems. The survey findings indicate that 54% of agencies utilize a mix of disparate systems, and 13% depend on internally developed software. This fragmentation not only complicates operations but also increases the attack surface for potential cyber threats, despite the ongoing modernization of hosting environments.

Gaps in Training and Zero Trust Policies

Even as cloud adoption accelerates, there's a concerning gap in the human element of cybersecurity. The survey reported a dramatic decline in routine cybersecurity training, falling from 99% in 2024 to 72% in 2025. Moreover, nearly half of the surveyed agencies either lack a Zero Trust security policy or are unaware of its existence. This oversight introduces significant vulnerabilities that could undermine the very security frameworks these organizations are trying to strengthen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings from the 2026 Cybersecurity Survey serve as both a wake-up call and an optimistic forecast for local governments. As they transition en masse from aging systems to cloud-based solutions, the focus must remain on bridging the trust gap, fostering robust training programs, and ensuring unified security policies. The journey towards a more cybersecurity-conscious ecosystem requires ongoing commitment, but the rewards—greater operational efficiency and enhanced protection against cyber threats—are well worth the effort.

Explore the full details and insights from the 2026 Cybersecurity Survey by Springbrook Software here.

About Springbrook Software

Springbrook Software stands as a frontrunner in the field of cloud-native finance and administrative ERP solutions designed specifically for local governments. Currently trusted by over 3,000 agencies, Springbrook combines AI-driven workflows with a fully integrated platform, promoting efficiency and unifying departmental operations under a secure digital environment. As a leading solution provider in fostering smart communities, Springbrook is dedicated to enhancing mission-critical operations through safe and effective practices.