The public sector is an attractive target for cybercriminals for several reasons, evidenced by the growing number of successful and highly publicized attacks. While public sector organizations are becoming digitally mature, the wheels turn slowly, and many are overstretched and under-resourced, particularly regarding cybersecurity matters. The aging technology, inadequate funding, and the knowledge gap, coupled with the high-value data these organizations hold, make them a goldmine for bad actors. The proper cybersecurity and technology partner has become essential in helping the public sector mitigate, manage, and remediate this growing threat.

A vulnerable landscape

Some cyberattacks on the South African public sector have shown how vulnerable some emerging economies are to cybercriminals and ransomware assaults. These pose a threat to people, the economy, and infrastructure. Some of the most crucial departments are usually the targets of effective online hijackers, making the systems vulnerable because of the amount of data, including citizens’ information, at stake.

The data contained in public sector organizations is hugely valuable on the dark web, so a successful exploit is highly profitable, and the public sector is typically reactive instead of proactive when it comes to digital transformation. It’s there to serve, not profit, leaving it vulnerable by default. The threat landscape is also evolving far faster than the ability of government organizations to keep up with technology, which makes it an easy, profitable, and, therefore, desirable target.

Consequences beyond the immediate

Numerous examples of such attacks in emerging economies over the last few years, such as the few in South Africa, are mentioned here. The National School of Government was targeted in a ransomware attack costing around R2 million. The attack on the DOJ affected all electronic services and potentially compromised 1,200 personal files. Transnet Port Terminals were attacked, and the disruption affected operations in several container terminals, interrupting cargo movement. A Pegasus spyware attack targeted world leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

While the last few years may have accelerated the velocity and volume of attacks, this is no new issue. The City of Johannesburg suffered a major network breach in 2019. In 2016, members of an anonymous group hacked government communications and information systems and posted the names, phone numbers, email addresses, and passwords of 1,500 government employees online. In 2015, the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s bank account was hacked, R8.5 million was stolen, and 2013 the South African Police Service (SAPS) website was hacked.

The effects of a successful attack on the public sector can have far-reaching consequences. From disruption to the delivery of essential services such as transport, water, and electricity to delays in court proceedings and maintenance payments, attacks on the public sector are felt powerfully by everyone, including the country’s citizens. In addition, they cost significant sums to deal with and rectify, straining already tight government budgets.

Dealing with the threat

Preventing advanced persistent threats and zero-day attacks is key. Solutions should include not only antivirus and IPS protection but also anti-bot and firewall technology, real-time intelligence, and continuous monitoring and diagnosis. In addition, they need 360-degree visibility, which means having a comprehensive view of all network activities and cross-device security to handle the challenges of borderless networks and remote working.

Emerging economies, in particular, need to invest in public-private partnerships to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. Collaboration between government organizations and private cybersecurity firms can ensure access to advanced tools and expertise that may be unavailable due to resource constraints. Additionally, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness within government agencies can significantly reduce vulnerabilities caused by human error, which remains one of the most significant factors contributing to successful breaches.

Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are critical for identifying and mitigating security gaps before attackers can exploit them. These assessments, combined with the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as AI-powered threat detection and automated incident response, enable public sector organizations to address risks proactively. Moreover, securing cloud-based infrastructure and ensuring robust encryption protocols for sensitive data transmissions are vital to safeguarding critical information.

Training and capacity building should also be prioritized. By equipping government employees with the necessary skills and knowledge, public sector organizations can better understand the evolving threat landscape and adapt accordingly. This is especially important for nations in emerging markets, where a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals often compounds the challenges posed by limited resources.

The right partner is key: A reliable ally in the fight against cyber threats.

The volume of threats the public sector faces and the potential consequences of a successful attack makes for a unique challenge. Additionally, citizens are increasingly expecting government agencies to deliver the same level of service as private organizations, which means digital transformation is the key. Getting the technology right, not only from a cybersecurity perspective but also from a service delivery perspective, has become critical. Its utility and how it is managed can dramatically impact the efficiency, effectiveness, and citizen-centric focus of government services and programs.

The public sector can overcome these challenges by partnering with an experienced IT partner. Not only will a partner with global experience and expertise as a Managed Security Service Provider assist the public sector in effectively handling emerging cyber threats, but they will also be able to deliver on citizens’ requirements for a better government experience. The result is a cost-effective and efficient solution to counteract cybercrime and improve service delivery, with faster remediation and proactive protection alongside digitally transformed systems and services.

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