Valmiera municipality shuts down its mobile app over security concerns
Valmiera municipality has discontinued its “Valmiera” mobile app as of August 18 because the outdated technology no longer meets cybersecurity requirements. Residents are asked to uninstall it from their phones.
The Valmiera municipality has decided to shut down its “Valmiera” mobile app as of August 18 this year, after eleven years in operation.
The municipality says the app's current technological solution is outdated, no longer meets modern cybersecurity requirements, and cannot be updated further. The decision to close the app was made to protect the personal data of residents as well as municipal data.
Upgrade costs deemed disproportionate
Valmiera municipality says it regularly monitors developments in digital solutions and related security risks. The investment that would be needed to bring the existing app up to standard is currently considered disproportionately large.
Edgars Martinsons, head of the municipality's Information Technology Centre, notes that although the app has been downloaded 20,000 times, ensuring the security of user data remains the municipality's priority. As long as an adequate level of protection cannot be guaranteed, closing the app is considered the most responsible course of action.
Search for a new solution
A working group has been set up within the municipality to explore ways of developing and expanding mobile app capabilities in the future, so that communication with residents keeps pace with modern technology habits.
Residents of the Valmiera municipality are asked to uninstall the current “Valmiera” app from their smartphones.
