L.A. County's Email Security Upgrade Yields Significant Savings

What's Happening?

Los Angeles County has successfully upgraded its email security system, resulting in substantial savings and improved threat detection. The county replaced its legacy email security solution with an automated system from Abnormal AI, following a series of phishing attacks in 2023. This new system has reduced the number of annual threat tickets from 75,000 to about 2,000, with only 200 being malicious. The upgrade has increased the cybersecurity team's efficiency rate from 13% to over 90%, saving an estimated $4 million in staff time. The project involved collaboration with Tekistry, a technology and business consultant, to ensure optimal performance across the county's departments.

Why It's Important?

The successful deployment of advanced email security in L.A. County highlights the critical role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity measures. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, leveraging AI to monitor and respond to these threats is increasingly vital for government agencies. The significant reduction in false positives and improved efficiency allows cybersecurity teams to focus on more critical tasks, enhancing overall security posture. This development is particularly important as the county prepares for high-profile events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, which could attract increased cyber threats. The project sets a precedent for other government entities to adopt similar technologies to safeguard their operations.

What's Next?

With the success of the email security upgrade, L.A. County plans to extend the Abnormal AI solution to additional departments, including the District Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Office, and Board of Supervisors. Continuous refinement and adaptation of the security system will be necessary to address evolving threats and maintain high levels of protection. The county's approach may serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure, particularly in light of upcoming major events and elections.