Local communities in the UK that use “connected places” projects are at risk of cyber-attacks, according to a recent report. While new technologies offer opportunities for economic growth and more effective public services, they also bring risks that need to be addressed and managed at both local and national levels. To help local authorities protect cyber security as they develop connected places, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced a new guide called the alpha Secure Connected Places Playbook. The playbook includes a summary of the National Cyber Security Centre’s Connected Places Cyber Security Principles and guidance on effective “security governance” of connected places projects, supply chain management lifecycle, and threat analysis. Local authorities are invited to take part in the project’s next phase, the “beta testing” of the alpha Playbook.