Fortifying the future: how advanced technology can transform public sector cyber resilience

AS GOVERNMENTS around the world face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the need for robust cyber resilience is more urgent than ever.

- Graham Brown, Country Manager for South Africa/SADC at Commvault.

In South Africa, the public sector has become a prime target for cybercriminals, with an alarming 3,312 ransomware attacks recorded each week.

This underscores the critical importance of strengthening cyber defences to safeguard sensitive data and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services.

The challenges are not insignificant. Government entities often rely on basic antivirus solutions that, while helpful, are no longer sufficient to defend against modern cyberattacks.

As threat actors become more sophisticated, utilising AI-driven tools to orchestrate attacks, the public sector is finding itself increasingly vulnerable. However, with the right approach and technology, government institutions can overcome these challenges and significantly enhance their cyber resilience.

The evolving threat landscape

The expansion of the attack surface is a key factor behind the growing number of cyberattacks. As more government functions move to the cloud and hybrid cloud environments, the potential for entry points increases.

Simple errors like poor configuration or reliance on legacy systems can provide cybercriminals with a foothold.

Many government agencies are still using outdated security methods, such as relying solely on firewalls or signature-based detection, which simply cannot keep pace with the speed and complexity of today’s cyber threats.

While the situation may seem daunting, it is important to recognise that the right technologies can make a significant difference. The adoption of advanced solutions such as cleanroom technology and hybrid cloud can help mitigate risks and provide a pathway to a more secure, resilient future.

Adapting to new challenges