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The shift to remote or hybrid work environments, accelerated by the global pandemic, calls for more stringent cybersecurity measures. As more government agencies transition to telework arrangements, traditional security perimeters that previously protected internal networks are being dismantled. Employees accessing sensitive data from different locations expose these agencies to greater cyber threats or vulnerabilities, making their systems prime targets for cyberattacks.
As these threats evolve and become more sophisticated, advanced cybersecurity solutions are necessary to safeguard dispersed workforces. The rise in phishing attacks, ransomware incidents, and unauthorized access attempts underscores the urgency for comprehensive digital defense strategies. Enhanced encryption methods, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring are imperative to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information from cyber adversaries.
Thus, the pandemic changed government agencies’ operations and redefined the cybersecurity landscape, highlighting the critical need for fortified digital defenses.
The Imperative of Strengthening Digital Defenses
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cybercrime increased by 400% during the start of the pandemic. This rise is partially attributed to the rapid shift to remote work, which exposed significant gaps in existing security frameworks. 91% of cybersecurity professionals saw increased cyberattacks related to remote working. Overall, data breaches in the U.S. totaled only 447 in 2012 and rose to more than 3,200 in 2023. Data breaches result in high costs for companies with remote workforces, averaging $173,074 higher than breaches occurring within more traditional setups.
These stats emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies, including zero-trust architectures and robust incident response plans, to mitigate the risks associated with a decentralized workforce. Investing in employee cybersecurity training and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for threat detection are critical components in fortifying digital infrastructures against evolving cyber threats.
The Rise of Remote or Hybrid Work Environments in Government Agencies
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed remote or hybrid work environments across various sectors, including the public sector. This sudden shift required significant adjustments in both technology and policy. Government agencies, which traditionally relied on in-person operations, had to rapidly adapt, implementing secure, scalable remote work solutions to accommodate the new normal and ensure continuity of services.
In November 2023, more than two-thirds (68%) of 625,568 surveyed federal employees worked remotely at least occasionally. Most were teleworking three to four days a week, with 14% having a 100% remote work arrangement.
In 2024, government agencies faced growing pressure to reconsider telework policies that went into effect during the pandemic, urging most government employees to return to in-person work. Despite the push to return to brick-and-mortar workplaces, there is a growing preference for a hybrid arrangement that provides greater flexibility and a mix of remote, telework, and in-person work.
Research showed that nearly 70% of teleworking federal employees were content to remain in their roles versus only 53% of non-teleworking federal employees. Additionally, 84% of employees and their managers noted improvements in work quality and customer satisfaction, with another survey revealing 90% of federal employees believe hybrid work environments allow for increased productivity.
Cybersecurity Risks Associated with Remote Access
Moving to hybrid work arrangements involves upgrading IT infrastructure to support many remote connections, enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information accessed from various locations, and ensuring all employees have the necessary tools and training to operate effectively outside traditional office environments. The adoption of cloud-based services, enabling more flexible and efficient workflows, has also accelerated.
Hybrid workplaces offer obvious benefits to employers and employees and bring about the opportunity for technological innovation and transformation. However, the increased reliance on digital platforms and remote access points also exposes government agencies to heightened cybersecurity risks, expanding the attack surface.
One of the most significant cybersecurity breaches in recent history, the SolarWinds attack, impacted multiple U.S. government agencies. Cyber adversaries gained access to sensitive information by exploiting vulnerabilities in SolarWinds’ Orion software, highlighting the dangers of supply chain attacks. As a result, malicious code was released to SolarWinds’ customers via compromised software updates, providing a “backdoor” for the intruder to remotely access infected computers.
SolarWinds estimated that about 18,000 customers received the compromised software update. The intruder targeted a high-value subset of those customers, including the federal government, with the purpose of espionage. Among the impacted entities were several key national security, intelligence, and defense departments, making the breach particularly alarming. The attacker meticulously selected its targets to maximize the extraction of confidential and strategic information, underscoring the sophisticated nature and intent of the operation that began in 2019 and continued throughout most of 2020, when the U.S. was largely at a standstill.
Strategies for Enhancing Cybersecurity in Government Agencies
Many government agencies are better equipped to handle future disruptions, having established robust frameworks for remote work. The pandemic created a shift in work culture that paved the way for more resilient and adaptive government operations in the face of unforeseen challenges. However, as cyberattacks quickly evolve, there is still work to be done to keep pace with changing technological and threat landscapes.
In the 2024 Report on the Cybersecurity Posture of the United States, National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. stated: “…we are in the midst of a fundamental transformation in our Nation’s cybersecurity.” He went on to assert the Administration’s vision for a more proactive and strategic approach to manage cyber threats—versus a reactive posture—to “manage the worst effects of cyber incidents” and “[shape] the digital world around us, positioning it to enable every aspect of our economy and society.”
Ways to adopt this preferred approach include:
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure remote access
- Embracing Zero Trust Architecture to ensure rigorous verification of every access request
- Providing regular security training to mitigate human errors
- Securing endpoints (e.g., laptops, mobile devices, tablets) to monitor and respond to threats in real-time
- Developing and regularly updating incident response plans and procedures that identify, contain, and mitigate threats
- Ensuring cloud data security with encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring
- Collaborating with private sector experts to leverage cutting-edge technologies and best practices in cybersecurity
These measures, upgrading IT infrastructure, and enhancing cybersecurity protocols, create a robust defense against evolving cyber threats. According to Microsoft, MFA alone can prevent over 99.9% of account compromise attacks, regardless of password hacking. Additionally, research showed that 80% of organizations enforcing security awareness training had reduced phishing susceptibility.
Successful Cybersecurity Implementations
Several government bodies have set exemplary standards through successful cybersecurity implementations, demonstrating the efficacy of strategic frameworks and advanced technologies in mitigating cyber threats. These actions to safeguard data in the public sector highlight how proactive measures and continuous advancements in cybersecurity can fortify defenses and protect critical infrastructure.
Department of Defense (DoD)
The DoD has been at the forefront of adopting advanced cybersecurity measures. Implementing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework has strengthened the cybersecurity posture of defense contractors and suppliers, ensuring the protection of sensitive defense information.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
NIST’s Cybersecurity Framework has become a benchmark for government agencies and private sector organizations. The framework provides a comprehensive approach to managing and reducing cybersecurity risks, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement. The initial version was created in 2014, with the first significant update finalized a decade later on February 26, 2024.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) Version 1 focused on providing guidelines for managing and reducing cybersecurity risks through best practices and standards. Version 2 expanded to integrate more detailed governance and supply chain risk management practices, reflecting the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the need for continuous improvement and adaptability.
State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
The 2024 SLCGP aims to bolster the cybersecurity posture of state and local governments across the U.S. This initiative provides essential funding ($279.9 million in FY 2024) and resources to help these entities develop and enhance their cybersecurity capabilities. By focusing on key areas such as threat detection, incident response, and workforce training, the program seeks to mitigate risks and protect critical infrastructure from sophisticated cyber threats.
Future AI Trends in Government Cybersecurity
AI and ML technologies enable real-time threat detection and response. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies, enhancing the ability to prevent and mitigate cyber threats. According to former White House CIO Theresa Payton, AI holds tremendous potential, but it can be used to wreak havoc in the wrong hands. Payton warns that cyber “adversaries can use AI to develop more sophisticated attacks, such as AI-driven phishing schemes and automated hacking tools.”
She predicts that in 2025, generative AI (GenAI) and Deepfakes can be used to create personas capable of exhibiting human-like intelligence, “[blending] into society, from [remote] workplace meetings to social media,” allowing intruders to commit espionage. Additionally, biometric usage is expected to double, enabling cybercriminals to use 3D printers and data breaches to make replicas paired with AI and Deepfakes to create forgeries capable of bypassing security systems. Finally, cybercriminals will find it increasingly easier to exploit weaknesses in automated security operations and chatbots used for customer service to gain access to sensitive data. It may even be possible to “mask intrusions and erase their tracks,” making breaches difficult to detect.
Therefore, it’s pertinent for the cybersecurity industry to establish ethical guidelines and security measures to mitigate harm while enabling customers to enjoy the many benefits of AI responsibly. Guidelines should address issues such as data privacy, transparency, and accountability. Organizations should ensure that AI algorithms are designed and maintained with high transparency, allowing for regular audits and assessments to verify their integrity and effectiveness.
Additionally, security measures must be implemented to protect AI systems from being compromised. This includes securing the AI models and safeguarding the data that feeds into these systems. Encryption, secure data storage, and rigorous access controls are essential to a robust AI security strategy.
Oxford Can Help
The demand for highly skilled cybersecurity professionals far exceeds the current supply. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, there is a pressing need for continuous education and upskilling of the existing workforce to keep pace with the ever-evolving landscape. Collaborative efforts between government entities, educational institutions, and private sector organizations are essential to develop a pipeline of talent equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Oxford can help. We have the knowledge and skills to support your cybersecurity initiatives. Take a proactive step to protect your organization’s digital security today.