Modernizing Public Sector Cybersecurity: Challenges, Priorities, and the Path Forward

When considering cybersecurity and data protection in the public sector, it is essential to acknowledge that the government faces critical challenges navigating the regulatory framework for data privacy and compliance.

The primary hurdle for state entities is the urgent need to overcome the inefficiencies of legacy applications and infrastructure. Legacy systems are vulnerable to external attacks, underscoring the pressing need for modernization, integration, and digitization to secure them.

However, this requires significant investment, and the public sector often faces budgetary constraints. Government budgets are fragmented, with each entity running on an individual budget. A ‘centralized budget’ refers to a unified financial plan managed and distributed centrally, allowing for better coordination and allocation of resources. Such a budget is necessary to streamline modernization and bring the systems onto a common platform. Additionally, the security measures needed to best use modernized systems for data safety must be implemented.

To address these challenges, the government must prioritize modernization and integration efforts by developing a detailed roadmap to replace the legacy systems with more secure and integrated solutions. At the same time, the government must explore options to leverage existing market solutions and build local capabilities to optimize resources.

Secondly, the agencies must push for centralized budgeting in the public sector. Government stakeholders should unite to strengthen standard security and compliance initiatives through this centralized budgeting system. It also means prioritizing the allocation of funds based on risk assessments and compliance requirements.

Robust security architecture

Public sector organizations should implement a robust security architecture for their cloud solutions. This helps address data sovereignty, residency, and privacy for their cloud adoption strategy.

Additionally, governments should prioritize adopting a hybrid cloud approach, which involves using a mix of private and public cloud services, supported by a robust security architecture to protect sensitive data. Successfully navigating the regulatory environment requires state-owned entities to enhance their data governance and classification by developing clear policies and procedures for data handling, storage, and protection.

Data must also be classified based on sensitivity, with appropriate security controls.

But modernization in the public sector will require serious decision-making, starting with whether to buy, build, or go bespoke. ‘Bespoke’ in this context refers to a custom-made solution designed to meet specific needs. The decision-making process involves carefully evaluating the options of buying off-the-shelf products, building in-house, or opting for a tailored solution. Factors such as cost, time, and specific needs should be considered in this process.

Leveraging existing market solutions would help avoid reinventing the wheel and accelerate the organization’s modernization process.

Of course, localization and building local capabilities are equally important. Ideally, the government should avoid over-reliance on multinational solutions and invest in developing local expertise and solutions. This would go a long way towards nurturing the local technology ecosystem and encouraging companies to create innovative solutions.

The role of public-private partnerships

One of the most effective ways to overcome public sector limitations is to forge strategic partnerships with private technology firms. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) allow governments to benefit from the private sector’s agility, innovation, and experience, especially in deploying secure digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks.

By working closely with technology providers, governments can implement pilot projects, access cutting-edge technologies, and rapidly scale up successful implementations. PPPs also help mitigate financial constraints by sharing investment risks and focusing on outcome-based service delivery.

Furthermore, these collaborations can fast-track skills development by involving local talent in implementation and maintenance phases, thus building long-term capabilities within the country.

Benefits of localization

Leveraging existing solutions has several benefits, including cost-effectiveness and faster implementation. This should instill a sense of optimism about the efficiency of the modernization process and the potential for successful outcomes.

Similarly, localization and skills development benefit the country, as investing in local capabilities and solutions will strengthen the domestic technology ecosystem. Locally developed solutions are also more likely to address the unique challenges and requirements of the country’s public sector.

Public sector entities can make more informed decisions to balance cost, speed, and long-term sustainability by carefully evaluating the buy, build, or bespoke options and prioritizing localization. The approach also supports the development of a robust and self-reliant technology ecosystem.

Building cybersecurity awareness across government personnel

Beyond infrastructure and strategy, human capital is a key pillar in achieving cybersecurity resilience. Employees at all levels in public institutions must be trained to understand data privacy regulations, threat awareness, secure system usage, and response protocols in case of breaches.

Cybersecurity awareness programs tailored for public sector employees can help mitigate accidental and malicious insider threats. Governments should institute mandatory compliance training and periodic security drills to ensure preparedness and policy enforcement.

This people-centric approach complements technical defenses, creating a more vigilant and informed workforce that contributes to maintaining cybersecurity standards.

Compliance as an ongoing process

Meeting regulatory requirements is not a one-time project—it’s a dynamic, ongoing process. With global data protection laws and frameworks such as GDPR, POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), and others evolving continuously, governments must adopt compliance as a continuous practice, emphasizing continuous vigilance.

Implementing compliance automation tools and engaging regularly with legal advisors ensures that government agencies stay ahead of regulatory changes. Establishing internal audit mechanisms also enables early detection of lapses and fosters a culture of accountability.

The key lies in institutionalizing compliance, making it a part of daily operations rather than a checklist before an audit.

Final thoughts: A long-term vision

Government data protection and cybersecurity efforts should align with a broader digital transformation vision. It’s not just about ticking regulatory boxes—it’s about securing citizens’ trust, ensuring continuity of services, and driving national development through safe and efficient digital platforms.

A multi-pronged approach involving policy, technology, funding, partnerships, and people will ensure long-term sustainability. With the right mix of strategic investments, the public sector can overcome legacy limitations and emerge as a secure, compliant, and citizen-centric digital governance model.

Sarthak Rohal – Sr. Vice President

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