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Two recent cyberattacks have highlighted the risk that hackers pose to local governments.  

Last week, Spring Lake Park School District 

 for two days after its technology team learned an outside actor had infiltrated its systems. A week before that, Winona County 

 in response to its second cyberattack this year — the first was in January. Both Spring Lake Park schools and Winona County said they were working with law enforcement and cybersecurity consultants to understand what happened.  

Cyberattacks are becoming more common and more advanced, according to the state’s information technology agency, MNIT. Local governments and contractors reported 269 cybersecurity incidents to the state between December 2024 and November 2025 — that averages to about five incidents a week.

Faisal Kaleem is director of cybersecurity and cyber operations programs at Metro State University. He joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about a growing trend of cyberattacks. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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Minnesota documented 269 cybersecurity incidents from December 2024 to November 2025. That’s an average of about five incidents a week. Two major ones in April include on Winona County and Spring Lake Park Schools. 

Minnesota documented 269 cybersecurity incidents from December 2024 to November 2025. That’s an average of about 5 incidents a week. Two major ones in April include on Winona County and Spring Lake Park Schools. 

Expert: Cyberattacks on local governments are no longer rare

In a dimly lit room, two computer screens show world maps and pink rays to signify different cyberattacks. A pair of hands rests on a blue and pink-lit keyboard as the hacker navigates the desktop.

Expert: Cyberattacks on local governments are no longer rare

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