A previously undisclosed Kroll review found weaknesses in Hoover’s computer systems that could have left the city vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hoover says it has since upgraded equipment and strengthened its defenses.
The report was prepared in 2024 after some financial records could not be found and the city’s IT department could not recover them from backups. Kroll reviewed 16 areas of Hoover’s technology operations and recommended stronger cybersecurity planning, updated systems and better preparation for emergencies.
City Administrator Brian Muenger says the weaknesses could have put the network at risk, but Hoover did not experience an intrusion.
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“Ultimately, it would leave your network potentially vulnerable to third-party infiltration,” he said. “We did not experience that, thankfully. And this will make sure that we don’t.”
Hoover is working with Auburn University’s McCrary Institute through a state program that helps local governments strengthen their cyber defenses. The city says it is keeping some details about its systems confidential, so they do not give hackers a roadmap.
The partnership has provided Hoover with new equipment and outside expertise. Muenger says the hardware alone is worth at least $600,000—equipment the city otherwise would have needed to buy with its own capital funds. He estimates the outside expertise is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars more.
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The funding comes through a $19 million federal grant for Alabama’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. McCrary Institute Associate Director Nick Sellers says the program is available to cities and counties across Alabama on a first-come, first-served basis. He encourages local governments to apply.
Kroll’s separate financial review found weaknesses in oversight and recordkeeping, but no specific evidence of fraud or misappropriated money. State examiners also said they found no new information warranting an audit.
