# Local Government Cybersecurity Landscape: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Framework
## 5 Findings and Discussion
### The Framework: Key Components and Limitations in the Existing Literature
#### 5.2.4 Challenges and Recommendations
Cybersecurity policies should outline local governments' cybersecurity stance, define roles and standards, and be regularly reviewed [82; 130]. Collaboration with academic institutions can help local governments develop policies cost-effectively, aligning with smart cities [10; 13]. Considering resource limitations as a major constraint for local government, they can benefit from the use of large language models (LLM) or generative pre-trained transformer (GPT)-assisted approaches for cybersecurity policies, as these tools are already being utilized by organizations for cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) policies. In fact, in their research, [PERSON] et al. [131] demonstrated that GPT-generated policies can be more effective and comprehensive when provided with custom-tailored prompts. However, due to the evolving cybersecurity landscape and limitations of GPT models, human moderators and subject-matter experts are crucial in refining AI-generated content. Their involvement ensures that the output aligns with the latest trends and upholds legal and ethical standards, making the policies practically relevant and ethically responsible [91]. Along with the policies, regular audits and consequence management systems are also essential. Formal regulatory structures, including cybersecurity committees, could be formed within local governments to ensure that data management practices align with cybersecurity principles. Additionally, the existing literature on cybersecurity lacks the comprehensive coverage of legislative and regulatory compliance, particularly in areas like data privacy, cloud computing, and IoT. The available literature does not cover legal frameworks and practical guidance for implementing these mandates within local governments' unique operational contexts. This presents an untapped area for research. (c) Accountability and Behavioral Issues: Accountability and organizational culture are essential for effective governance, and cybersecurity is no exception. In local governments, where multiple stakeholders collaborate, accountability lines often blur, leading to vulnerabilities and potential breaches [132; 133]. Cybersecurity in local governments faces behavioral challenges, such as reactive protocols adopted after incidents and a lack of collaboration within departments [13; 77; 130]. To address these issues, local governments must encourage collaboration on cybersecurity initiatives, share best practices, foster a culture of communication and teamwork, prioritize cybersecurity as a shared objective, and cultivate a culture of 'cyber hygiene' among employees [8; 12]. This involves maintaining basic digital environments, such as regular updates, vigilant monitoring, and adherence to best practices in digital communication and data management [42; 134]. Educating employees through workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns about the importance of cyber hygiene is crucial for building a knowledgeable, aware, and responsible workforce [13]. (d) Technical and Operational Issues: Local governments face increasing technical and operational challenges, particularly in addressing the complexity and sophistication of cyberthreats [18], safeguarding data, and ensuring their integrity [77]. Ensuring data integrity is crucial to maintaining public trust [19; 50]. Local governments must implement secure coding practices, intrusion detection systems, regular software updates, and blockchain technology to enhance data integrity. On the other hand, to maintain public trust, local governments must demonstrate transparency in their cybersecurity practices and data handling procedures. To balance between safeguarding residents' information and confidential administrative documents and upholding public trust, a multifaceted approach is needed.