State Auditor Orders Stricter Cyber Testing for Local Governments
New Mexico's State Auditor plans enhanced cybersecurity testing requirements for city and county computer systems after recent cyber incidents.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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State Auditor Joseph Maestas announced enhanced cybersecurity testing requirements for city and county computer systems in New Mexico. The announcement follows recent cyber incidents that disrupted systems at UNM Hospital and the Town of Bernalillo.
Why it matters
Cyberattacks cost New Mexico governments and businesses an estimated $85 million last year, and the auditor's office has received 30 cybersecurity complaints since 2023. Stronger testing aims to reduce exposure for local systems that serve residents across the state.
The State Auditor's office has logged 30 cybersecurity complaints since 2023, while cyberattacks cost New Mexico governments and businesses about $85 million last year. Officials have not said how the cost estimate was calculated or how long municipal systems in the Town of Bernalillo will remain disrupted.
The players
Joseph Maestas
Joseph Maestas is the New Mexico State Auditor, the state official responsible for oversight of public finances and audits of state and local government entities.
New Mexico State Auditor's Office
The New Mexico State Auditor's Office is the state agency that audits public entities and oversees local government financial and operational compliance.
UNM Hospital
UNM Hospital is the teaching hospital of the University of New Mexico, serving as a major healthcare provider in Albuquerque.
The details
Future testing will focus on the areas considered most vulnerable to cyber threats, according to the State Auditor's office. Some municipal computer systems in the Town of Bernalillo remain disrupted, and UNM Hospital has also experienced a recent cyber incident.
Timeline
2023: The State Auditor's office began receiving cybersecurity complaints.
Last year: Cyberattacks cost New Mexico governments and businesses approximately $85 million.
Recent: Cyber incidents disrupted UNM Hospital and the Town of Bernalillo.
Next spring: Enhanced testing requirements for city and county systems are planned to be introduced.
Tech Race
The new testing requirements extend the State Auditor's existing oversight of local government finances and operations into the technical security practices of city and county computer systems. Local governments across the country face similar pressure as cyberattacks on public institutions increase.
City and county residents who rely on municipal services could face disruptions if local systems are compromised. The planned testing aims to reduce the likelihood of outages affecting payments, records, and public services.
The takeaway
Strong cybersecurity practices for local government systems protect public services and sensitive records. Residents can ask their city and county offices how they are securing the systems that handle their information.
Further reading
Explore more on Cybersecurity to see how governments and hospitals are responding to digital threats.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 96.3 KKOB.
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