The public sector is relying more and more on digital technology for everyday operations, which is very convenient, but also risky, given the ever-present threat of cybercrime. Government bodies, healthcare providers, universities, and public services are prime targets for hackers fascinated by disrupting critical infrastructure – the backbone of our cities’ safety and functionality.
Recent studies from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity highlight the vulnerability of the public sector, notably governments and public administration, which are attractive targets for cyberattackers. This industry tops the list of most targeted locations, accounting for an astounding 24%.
Another layer to this complex picture is the financial impact of cyber risks. According to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach 2023 research, each cyber security incident in the public sector costs approximately $2.60 million. Contrary to popular belief, the cost of a breach extends beyond repair charges. It includes ransom payments and legal expenditures, which have a significant influence on finances for community work.
It is undoubtedly a tough battle, with fraudsters constantly adapting and navigating new ways past cyber security systems. In this critical juncture, where the public sector stands out as a primary target in their playbook, collaboration and knowledge exchange are critical to fortifying our defences. In this essay, we give our fair share by weaving together useful insights that add to the tapestry of cyber security expertise.
Why is the public sector a magnet for cyberattacks?
Cybercriminals do not target the public sector by mistake. The public sector appeals to cybercriminals strategising their next major attack for a variety of reasons, including the large number of data and the appeal of public exposure.
The diamond mine of public sector data.
Public sector organisations are responsible for a vast amount of sensitive and important data, such as citizen records, government activities, and essential infrastructure information. This breadth and depth of information is intrinsically appealing to hackers looking to use it for various purposes. With the public sector in charge of key infrastructure such as public transport, healthcare, and education, the potential damage from misused data is extensive. If cyber security measures fail, login credentials, personal emails, addresses, identifying information, payment data, and other sensitive information may be compromised.
Limited security funding and understaffed teams.
Compared to private sector firms with larger finances, many public sector organisations are not adequately prepared to protect themselves against a cyberattack, particularly in the most vulnerable departments: security, finance, and information technology. The public sector’s substantial reliance on taxpayer resources results in budget constraints and bureaucratic red tape, making it difficult to deploy comprehensive cyber security measures that meet the level of danger. According to an ICMA analysis from 2021, the top three challenges to local government cyber security are the inability to pay competitive wages, insufficient cyber security professionals, and a general lack of cash.
Outdated technology and security protocols
Entities in the public sector frequently struggle to keep up with the latest technological trends and cyber security measures. Outdated IT systems and software have well-documented vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are aware of. These outdated technologies lack the security features of their newer counterparts, leaving attackers with a plethora of entry opportunities.
The interconnectedness of obsolete government systems can potentially magnify the damage of a successful cyberattack. A breach in one department could possibly spread to other agencies and systems, resulting in a cascading effect.
Hackers are attracted to public attention.
Companies in the public sector handle massive volumes of sensitive information, ranging from citizen data to classified national security details. Because the public relies on these institutions, every security compromise has the potential for significant effect and public scrutiny. Cybercriminals are motivated by the opportunity to disrupt operations, steal valuable data, or undermine public faith. As a result, the public sector becomes a tempting target because of the potential for notoriety, political turbulence, and capitalising on the public’s fear and uncertainty caused by a data breach or cyberattack.
Geopolitical Strategy and Cyberwar
Disrupting or entering public-sector organisations can have far-reaching geopolitical consequences, allowing cybercriminals to exert pressure, obtain strategic advantages, and advance their political and military goals. Cybercriminals, for example, can destabilise governments, destroy public trust, and manipulate international relations by targeting essential infrastructure and stealing sensitive information. A vivid example of this occurred with the significant increase in cyberattacks following the ongoing Ukraine war.
Examples of cyber attacks that test the public sector’s limits
Among the numerous cyber risks that batter the public sector, a handful stand out for their persistence and frequency. The top five offenders that governments cannot afford to ignore include ransomware, state-sponsored attacks, phishing, DDoS, and hacktivism. Understanding this is critical to improving cyber security and safeguarding important assets.
Ransomware
Ransomware is one of the main cyber dangers that security professionals face. Ransomware doesn’t just encrypt your files. It severely restricts the fundamental services provided by public sector organisations, making it extremely troublesome. There is also a more severe form, known as double extortion. In this scenario, hackers not only encrypt crucial data, but they also threaten to reveal it publicly if the ransom is not paid, raising the stakes even higher.
The consequences for public sector organisations, which frequently retain sensitive citizen information and essential infrastructure details, are severe. The reputational damage, financial loss, and disruption of services can have far-reaching implications that extend beyond the immediate crisis.
State-sponsored cyber attacks
A state-sponsored attack occurs when one state or nation targets another government agency’s networks in order to gather intelligence and weaken key infrastructure.
The public sector is one of the most common targets for state-sponsored cyberattacks due to the potential impact on many agencies and resources. Power grids, transportation systems, and healthcare facilities are common examples of vital infrastructure overseen by public sector organisations. Disrupting these systems may have a direct impact on national security and public safety.
Phishing
Phishing attackss are a clever threat to the public sector, using deceptive tactics to fool personnel into disclosing critical information. In our digital age, where communication avenues are numerous, fraudsters frequently send bogus emails or messages masquerading as legitimate companies. With their many services, public sector organisations make ideal candidates for specialised phishing operations. These false messages, which appear to be official and urgent, are designed to take advantage of people’s natural tendency to believe familiar sources.
However, the implications of falling prey to phishing go beyond data compromise. Cybercriminals with unauthorised access gained through phishing assaults can expand their infiltration to compromise important databases. This can lead to identity theft, which endangers both staff and the people they serve. Identity theft can have far-reaching consequences, affecting people’s lives and jeopardising the integrity of public-facing services. Furthermore, the consequences of a successful phishing assault can interrupt critical services, ranging from healthcare systems that handle sensitive patient information to government institutions that monitor public safety.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
Another severe cyber danger is distributed denial of service (DDoS), which targets the public sector and puts innocent citizens at risk. DDoS attacks attempt to block access to services, applications, or websites by flooding their servers with malicious traffic. By interrupting government websites or internet services, terrorists might sow public confusion and distrust.
Government entities may also become targets as a result of their enforcement or regulatory measures, prompting DDoS attacks by individuals or organisations that are dissatisfied with government actions. A successful DDoS assault can have serious economic effects since it disrupts government activities and services. This might result in financial losses and affect a country’s economic stability.
Hacktivism
As social or political activists use cybercrime to amplify their voices, hacktivists are motivated by a strong desire to target government organisations in charge of formulating and implementing laws and regulations, particularly those that are seen to contradict their own values.
Government institutions, as potent emblems of authority and control, provide obvious focus points for hacktivists seeking to attack or oppose specific official acts and values. Beyond simple acts of cyber defiance, hacktivists frequently express their dissatisfaction with the government by demanding increased transparency, accountability, or adherence to ethical standards, transforming cyber activism into a potent threat with the potential to reshape not only online narratives but also real-world policies and practices.
Stories about attacks against public sector enterprises
Kenya cyber-attack: 28 July 2023
The government has confirmed that there was a cyber-attack on the eCitizen portal, used by the public to access over 5,000 government services.
This was after people complained for several days over difficulties accessing services on the portal, including:
- Passport applications and renewal
- Issuing e-visas for foreigners visiting the country
- Issuing driving licenses, identification cards and national health records
The government was forced to promise visas on arrival for visitors who would have qualified for e-visas due to the challenges with the eCitizen system.
There were also disruptions to train-booking systems and payment for electricity.
Mobile-money banking services were also affected and people relying on the popular mobile-money service M-Pesa to make payments at shops, public transport vehicles, hotels and other platforms also experienced difficulties.
Safaricom, which operates the service, is yet to officially comment and it is not clear whether the company was affected by the hack.
What’s the impact?
The government has been pushing people to use online government services, and this, coupled with the widespread adoption of mobile money payments, meant many Kenyans felt the impact of the attack.
Some 76% of Kenyans use mobile money, while 67% use the mobile internet.
Confirming the attack, Information, Communication and Digital Economy Minister Eliud Owalo stressed that no data had been accessed or lost, although the hackers behind it had claimed to have stolen passport data.
Senior ministry officials on Friday held a meeting with private sector players to discuss issues about cyber security, although it is not clear whether this was triggered by the attack, or had been pre-planned.
The government says it has managed to block the source of the attack although intermittent interruptions continue to affect the normal speed and access of services on the online platform.
Cyber attacks 2024 / 2023 in Germany today
Hacker attacks on companies and organizations
https://konbriefing.com/en-topics/hacker-attacks-germany.html
Strategies for protecting your organisation from attacks.
Now that real-life instances have revealed the devastating impact of cyberattacks on the public sector, protecting public organisations against these digital onslaughts is more important than ever. The tactics mentioned below create a dynamic arsenal aimed to protect public sector entities from the ever-changing landscape of cyber attacks while also strengthening the resilience of vital systems.
Security awareness training: Ensure that all employees are regularly trained on the importance of cyber security, current risks, and best practices. Use real-world examples, run simulations, and make sure everyone understands their responsibility in protecting the organization’s data.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Use MFA on all systems, especially privileged accounts. This extra layer of security ensures that even if credentials are hacked, unauthorised access will be effectively blocked.
Endpoint security: Use powerful endpoint protection tools that go beyond typical antivirus solutions. These platforms should provide real-time monitoring, threat identification, and automated reactions to questionable activity.
Network segmentation allows you to isolate sensitive data. This precaution assures that even if attackers get access to a piece of the network, obtaining essential systems or data becomes a daunting task.
Patching and updating on a regular basis. ensures that all systems, apps, and devices are secure. Automated patch management systems can help to streamline this procedure.
Develop and regularly update a detailed incident response plan. Conduct frequent drills to ensure that all stakeholders understand their roles and duties in the case of a breach.
Backup and disaster recovery: Make regular backups of key data and systems, storing them both on-site and off-site. Regular testing of the recovery procedure ensures data integrity and availability.
Zero trust architecture: Implement a zero trust framework in which all access requests, regardless of origin, are thoroughly verified. This method reduces the possibility of internal threats and breaches caused by compromised credentials.
Continuous vulnerability assessments: Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify flaws in your systems and applications. To maintain strong defences, promptly remedy any detected vulnerabilities.
Collaborate and share information: Encourage collaboration among public sector organisations and entities. Sharing threat intelligence and best practices can provide early warnings and help to build a collective defence against common and new threats.
The public sector is on alert. How can a CVA help?
Public sector organisations are confronting a flood of cyber security threats, and with limited budgets and under-resourced departments, they cannot fight this battle alone. In today’s digital landscape, the compelling need for strong cyber security education takes centre stage, acting as an essential cornerstone in our collaborative defence against the ever-changing cyber threats.
At Cyber Vigilance Academy , we offer cyber security education easier and more engaging than ever before, thanks to our e-Learning platform that provides personalised experiences to help students improve their knowledge and build stronger defences against cybercrime.
Governments, schools, banks, airports, embassies. Universities/research institutes, transportation, and healthcare providers, among others, can benefit most from phishing education and awareness, as deceptive messages are typical in successful cybercrime operations targeting the public sector. Our phishing simulations, which include particular templates for public sector organisations, leverage real-life scenarios to boost practical awareness of these dangers, leading staff on a journey of continuous learning to adopt safer and smarter digital practices. As a result, the risk to public sector organisations lowers, but incident reporting and response times improve as well.
To assist public organisations in making educated cyber security decisions, CVA can provide a thorough overview of your security culture by analysing hundreds of data points derived from Human Behaviours. This enables the CVA to accurately measure your overall human risk and provide focused interventions to reduce it. The more public sector employees understand the risk, the more they can do to identify and deter threat actors before it’s too late.
CVA’s specialised cyber security awareness and human risk management services can help your company reduce risk and establish a stronger, more successful security culture.
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