Cyberattacks on public sector organisations are on the rise and getting more sophisticated. From local councils and emergency services to water authorities and health boards, public entities are increasingly being targeted by criminals aiming to cause disruption, steal sensitive data, or push political agendas.
In fact, the FBI ranked government organisations as the third most-targeted sector for ransomware attacks in 2024. With ageing infrastructure, tight budgets, and complex legacy systems, many public bodies face an uphill battle when it comes to cybersecurity.
Why Public Sector is Vulnerable
Public sector systems often involve multiple access points, outdated software, and limited resources for IT upgrades. This combination makes it harder to stay ahead of cyber threats, and easier for attackers to exploit gaps.
Disruptions aren’t just technical, they have real-world impacts. For example, if a ransomware attack affects a local authority, it could delay emergency response services, judicial functions, or even disrupt access to clean water and healthcare.
Where to Start: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
While cybersecurity can seem complex, much of the damage from cyber incidents can be prevented by getting the basics right. That includes:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
MFA requires users to verify their identity in more than one way, like using both a password and a code sent to a mobile device. This extra step makes it much harder for attackers to break in, even if they’ve stolen a password. Public bodies that rely on only usernames and passwords are taking unnecessary risks. - Strong Password Policies:
Simple or reused passwords remain a common cause of breaches. Passwords should be unique, complex (including symbols, numbers and upper/lowercase letters), and changed regularly. Combined with MFA, strong passwords form a much more secure access control foundation. - Vulnerability Management:
Public entities must regularly scan systems for security flaws, known as vulnerabilities and patch them quickly. These weaknesses are often exploited by attackers, especially if left unpatched. In cases where a fix isn’t yet available, organisations should mitigate or formally accept the risk based on its impact. - Cybersecurity Training:
Many cyberattacks begin with a simple phishing email. Regular training helps employees recognise suspicious messages and avoid risky behaviours. Simulated phishing tests are also a useful way to build awareness and test real-world reactions.
How Can we Help?
As a Gold Partner of RSA Security, DTE helps public sector organisations roll out secure and user-friendly identity solutions including MFA and passwordless authentication to protect sensitive systems and services. RSA’s solutions are widely used across government and critical infrastructure sectors, offering proven resilience against modern threats.
Cyber threats will only continue to evolve. But by focusing on the fundamentals like MFA, password management, patching, and training, public sector organisations can significantly reduce their risk exposure.
Get in touch to find out how you can stay secure and strengthen your defences.
