Why DIY Websites Put Small Towns at Risk — And What to Do

In municipal government, every dollar counts — but nowhere is that truer than in small and rural communities. Tight budgets and lean teams mean decisions about where to spend (and where to save) have real consequences.

So when websites became essential for public communication, it’s no surprise many towns turned to WordPress. As one of the first widely accessible “DIY, low-cost” website builders, it powers nearly half the internet. But here’s the catch: that convenience often comes with risks most municipalities can’t afford to ignore.

The Hidden Cost of “DIY” Websites

At first glance, WordPress seems like a perfect solution: no coding required, endless plugins, and low monthly costs. But behind the scenes, a WordPress site demands 6–12 hours of maintenance every month — updating plugins, themes, and the platform itself, plus regular manual backups.

For most small-town offices — often staffed by just one or two people already stretched thin — this isn’t realistic. And when those updates are missed (as they often are), your website becomes vulnerable: it slows down, breaks, or worse — becomes a gateway for hackers.

The Scale of the Threat

It’s easy to assume cybercriminals wouldn’t bother with a town of 800 people. Unfortunately, that’s exactly the thinking they’re counting on.

WordPress accounts for 90% of all hacked content management systems.

A 2023 WeWatchYourWebsite study found 150,000+ WordPress sites infected in just 60 days.

Globally, there are millions of attacks per hour targeting WordPress sites.

And those aren’t just theoretical risks. In July 2024, White City and the RM of Edenwold — both larger, well-run communities — were targeted in online scams and lost $200,000 and $497,000 respectively. Neither of them even managed their own WordPress sites in-house.

If well-resourced municipalities can be hit, what does that mean for the small towns still running on outdated DIY sites?

One word: vulnerable.

Beyond Websites: A Holistic Security Mindset

A secure website is just the start. True online protection for municipalities requires a comprehensive digital security framework, including:

1. Secure hosting and website maintenance – Proactive updates, backups, and firewall protections.

   
   

2. Safe communication tools – Encrypted email, secure file sharing, and MFA-enabled accounts.

   
   

3. Data storage policies – Cloud environments with proper access controls and audit trails.

   
   

4. Internal procedures – Staff protocols for payment approvals and vendor verification.

   
   

5. Online literacy training – Teaching staff and council how to spot phishing, deepfakes, and AI-driven fraud attempts.

The rise of AI has only increased the sophistication of scams — and small-town governments are now squarely in the crosshairs.

How Prairie Rising Can Help

At Prairie Rising, we understand municipal realities because we’ve lived them — from councils of 500 residents to organizations with 500 staff. We know budgets are tight. We also know that a single breach can cost hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars — far more than prevention ever would. This isn’t just about technology — it’s about protecting your residents, your finances, and your reputation.

Here’s how we support communities like yours:

Comprehensive Online Security Audits – From your website to your internal workflows.

Website Redesign & Maintenance – Secure, professionally managed platforms that evolve with you.

Virtual Infrastructure Upgrades – Secure email, communications, and data storage solutions.

Staff Training & Policy Development – Practical literacy programs tailored for municipal teams.

Next Steps: Protecting Your Community

DIY website solutions once made sense. But today, the risks far outweigh the savings. If you’re still relying on a “set it and forget it” WordPress site — or if you’re unsure how secure your systems really are — now is the time to act.

Contact Prairie Rising for a free initial consultation. We’ll walk you through where your vulnerabilities are, what’s at stake, and how to lock down your systems before you become the next headline.

Quick Reference Checklist for Municipal Leaders

1.  Audit your website and CMS security.

2.  Confirm backup and update responsibilities.

3.  Review email and payment verification policies.

4.  Train staff to detect scams and AI fraud attempts.

5.  Book a Prairie Rising security audit.

Author Bio

Nathaniel Puffalt founded Prairie Rising in 2016 and has produced everything from websites and comprehensive marketing plans to feature length films.

Prairie Rising

We provide remote and hybrid CAO services to municipalities across Saskatchewan. With decades of hands-on experience, we help communities modernize operations, secure their systems, and deliver stronger services — no matter their size.