State Auditor set to require new cybersecurity measures for local governments as NM gets hit by cyberattacks

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico’s state auditor plans new cybersecurity testing for local governments.

State Auditor Joseph Maestas told KOB 4 he plans to release new enhanced testing requirements next spring for all city and county IT systems and their protocols.

Maestas’ office has received 30 cybersecurity complaints since 2023. He said cyberattacks cost New Mexico entities and businesses $85 million last year.

“Even big public entities are vulnerable to cybercrimes, and my message is to be prepared,” Maestas said.

Maestas said his office will focus added testing on the highest-risk parts of local government systems.

“We determine where the highest risk is, and that’s where we focus additional testing” Maestas said.

Recent attacks have affected public entities in the Albuquerque metro. An attack shut down UNM Hospital last month. The town of Bernalillo has also dealt with a cyberattack since last month.

“The system, the technology system is still basically disabled,” Acting PIO Augusta Meyers said.

Meyers said people who need to pay bills must do so in person at City Hall. The Town Council approved an $82,000 offer to the attackers to restore the town’s computer system.

“The town council approved that offer, which was equivalent to one bitcoin, to my knowledge.,” Meyers said.

Meyers told KOB 4 people have kept up with their bills to which she credited the town’s proactive communication with residents.

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