Cyber Security for Public Sector

The consequences of a cyberattack in the public sector can be catastrophic. In 2019, the UK Government was the 4th most targeted sector and it’s only been increasing. Getting protected is the best form of prevention against cybercrime.

BlueFort is the UK’s leading Cyber Security solutions provider with experience in helping businesses, organisations as well as public and private sector organisations in defending themselves against cyber attacks.

Cyber security services for the Public Sector

The public sector is the beating heart of how a nation operates. Being able to keep it safe is critical. When it comes to developing cyber security solutions, you need to consider the various issues that can cause a widespread cyberattack.

• Lots of users with different levels of access which can cause data breaches and become increasingly difficult to find where issues start.
• Access across multiple buildings and locations such as home working, remote working and even being in an unsecure part of the building for network access.
• Highly sensitive information can be easily accessed and used in ransomware attacks.

Due to budget cuts in recent years, cybersecurity has been forgotten by many as a critical part of the service, however, due to the nature of public services, cybersecurity is essential.

Thanks to the efforts of cyber criminals, the public sector has seen persistent attacks resulting in multiple issues for local councils and national data protection.

Security Challenges facing the Public Sector

Examples of cyber attacks on the public sector

• Phishing attacks. Attempts to access sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy source via email.
• Spear-phishing campaigns. An email fraud attempt that targets a specific organisation and appears to be from an individual or business that you know.
• Ransomware attacks. Encryption of devices preventing access until ransom is paid.
• Identity theft. Acquiring the identity of a person and using that data to cause widespread issues

How attacks and security breaches harm the public sector

• Reputational damage which can affect how the firm is viewed, loss of clients or issues in attracting new customers.
• Loss of clients which can impact the bottom line and the stable running of the legal firm.
• Theft of client assets and possibly money
• Disruption of business continuity which can cost legal cases, processing documents and even communicating with other firms in civil and criminal law cases.
• Continuing data access issues which can slow down many of the day-to-day functions of the business.
• Spying across the IT infrastructure which is a massive data breach for you and your clients.
• Costs of rebuilding IT networks.
• Significant expenditure on training and problem resolution.
• Data recovery costs and time.

Some of the typical vulnerabilities in the public sector

• Legacy systems with poor cyber protection. Old systems are generally easier to penetrate and cause more disruption. Less protection and outdated safety patches are primarily responsible.
• Out of date software systems. These systems are again, easier to get through and leave organisations vulnerable to attack.
• IoT vulnerabilities. (Internet of Things) The integration of other technologies which can interact with your systems through networks.
• Operational Technology (OT) vulnerabilities. This is hardware and software that detects or causes a change, through the direct monitoring and/or control of industrial equipment, assets, processes and events.
• Inadequate staff training in cyber security and cyber security awareness.
• Poor cyber security precautions and procedures.

Various cybersecurity threats that the public sector need to protect themselves from

• Terrorist groups
• Cybercriminals including organised crime groups
• Malicious governments
• Industrial spies
• Hacktivists
• Hackers
• Insider threats (malicious and non-malicious).

Questions you should be able to answer

Whether you receive intentional or unintentional cyber attacks, you should be able to assess what the security threats are to your energy and utility firms and what it means in order to protect you and your systems.

• What are the top cyber security concerns faced by your organisation? What do they look like and how can you protect yourself from them?
• What resources are allocated to deal with these concerns? Who is in charge of dealing with cyberattacks? Which third parties may be involved? What is the annual budget for updating and protecting your systems?
• Who has access to sensitive data? Which internal and external resources have access to information or systems?
• Are you aware of the cyber attack vectors affecting your organisation? Think of the examples laid out before, in 2021 two major attacks caused mass issues for two different countries.
• How are staff accessing shared / sensitive data? (Devices / security checks). Are these third parties protected? What privacy technologies are they using to help stop the threat of an attack?
• How prepared are staff for cyber security threats? Who do they inform? What happens when they notice a breach or an issue?

Why choose Bluefort?

Bluefort are leaders in cybersecurity systems in the UK. WIth experience in private owned businesses and public sector institutions, Bluefort has all the capabilities of helping advise and develiver on your cyber security needs.

Whether it is designing cyber security systems, providing assessments, consultations or simply handing over the needs of the business to get better protected, Bluefort is the choice that every organisation who is serious about their cybersecurity needs to consult.

Working with large organisations such as the NHS, AXA, Samsung, Greater Manchester Police and AVIVA (to name but a few), Bluefort has the knowledge and experience in working with large scale organisations to help build the right solution for your organisation.

Protecting systems is essential, especially when it comes to the public sector. Let the experts who know what they’re doing take care of it for you. Contact us today!