The public sector has become a significant target for cybercriminals, with attacks increasing in sophistication and frequency in recent years. From cities across the US to the National Health System of the UK, numerous high-profile attacks have targeted entities in the public sector.
Defending against modern cyber attacks is a complex job, and many government and private sector entities are hiring cybersecurity consultants to develop a comprehensive strategy that provides them with maximum protection.
What Can Cybersecurity Consultants Do For The Government & Public Sector?
Attacks targeting government and municipal institutions in recent years have ranged from minor inconveniences to major disruptions endangering private data. Developing proper cybersecurity capabilities can ensure government entities are prepared for attacks of all types.
Here is a look at some of the components of cybersecurity that consultants can help institutions in the public sector address.
Compromise Detection
The incredible complexity of recent cybersecurity attacks means that moving swiftly is imperative. Even the slightest delay in detecting a compromise can provide attack vectors with enough time to spread throughout the network, where they can create extensive damage and compromise countless assets.
Reducing the time between a security breach and detection is a main priority for cybersecurity consultants, and they can advise on effective methods of identifying attacks as soon as they occur to reduce disruption, liability, and damage.
Protection From Attacks
The business landscape has changed dramatically since the pandemic, and although the private sector has seen the most radical transformation, the public sector is also changing.
As more employees of government agencies and public sector organizations work remotely, there are more opportunities for cybercriminals than in the past, as the surface of their attacks has become broader and more challenging to protect.
Cybersecurity consultants can advise on securing an organization’s assets, data, and essential infrastructure, regardless of its location. They will consider every potential vulnerability, from the Internet of Things (IoT) and the cloud to the mobile devices used by employees.
The pandemic changed how people work, and public sector organizations must reconsider every aspect of their strategy to stay ahead of threats.
Greater Visibility Into Threats
Threat awareness is one of the most essential components of an effective cybersecurity strategy. It entails a thorough understanding of the internal threats an organization in the public sector may face, such as employee mistakes or malicious acts, and external threats, such as ransomware attacks.
Although all organizations face similar dangers, their most significant concern is the specific sector they will serve. Libraries, courthouses, schools, hospitals, and other service agencies face vulnerabilities, and cybersecurity consultants will assess them carefully to recommend a strategy that addresses the organization’s most pressing needs.
Impact Mitigation & Restoration
The downtime a cyber attack causes for a public sector organization can be extensive, leading to significant losses. For some institutions, the damage may be financial; for those that provide health care or emergency services, it could mean the difference between life and death.
Public sector organizations must be prepared for every type of attack, but even the best strategy cannot prevent every breach. Therefore, cybersecurity consultants will help organizations implement a plan to mitigate the impact of any breaches and create a detailed roadmap to fully restore operations in the event of various types of attacks.
Penetration Testing
Cybersecurity consultants can advise public sector institutions on proactive approaches to protecting their systems, such as penetration testing. This entails having professionals “test” their systems by attempting to carry out cyber attacks, exposing weak points that legitimate cyber criminals could exploit.
They can help organizations develop a well-rounded approach that uses a mix of automatic tools trained to identify common weak points and advanced techniques involving the specific types of attacks a particular organization is likely to face.
Training & Education
In many government organizations, employees need more IT training or interaction with IT staff. This lack of tech familiarity means employees can be a significant weak spot in the public sector.
They can become victims of phishing emails and social engineering tactics designed to manipulate them into sharing sensitive information. Moreover, improperly handling sensitive data or installing unauthorized software can put the organization at great risk.
Cybersecurity consultants can assess an organization’s workforce and help them design and implement employee training and education programs targeted at the attacks their organization is likely to face.
Facilitating Collaboration
Cybersecurity consultants look at the big picture within an organization, and they can advise on the best ways for stakeholders outside and within government and public sector institutions to collaborate and achieve the common goal of better cybersecurity. They can ensure optimal coordination between management, regulators, IT staff, and vendors.
Discuss Your Needs With The Cybersecurity Consultants At Advantage Tech
Government and public sector organizations are facing an uphill battle in the years to come, and an effective cybersecurity strategy is the best tool for preventing breaches and minimizing risk. To learn more about how cybersecurity consultants can help your organization prepare for the future, schedule a consultation with the public sector cybersecurity experts at Advantage Tech.
