Cybersecurity
Cyberattacks against public sector organizations are on the rise. The adoption of modern security technology, processes and ongoing skill development of your team is crucial to protect your digital landscape.
Cybersecurity is shaping the world and impacting public sector organizations
Cyberattacks targeting public sector organizations
62% of all cyberattacks are targeting public sector organizations. Source: 2024 MDDR
Countries that could experience a major attack
95% of countries could have a major attack from state actors using Gen AI by 2027. Source: IDC FutureScape: Worldwide National Government 2024 Predictions
Are prepared
Only 30% of public sector organizations will be resilient enough to prevent disruptions and breaches. Source: IDC FutureScape: Worldwide National Government 2024 Predictions
Attacks targeting education and research
Education and research became the second most targeted sector by nation-state threat actors in 2024, accounting for 21% of observed attacks globally. Source: 2024 MDDR
Identity attacks are password-based
Password attacks make up 99% of all identity attacks. Source: 2024 MDDR
Cybersecurity in the Public Sector
Cybersecurity is shaping the world and impacting every organization. The speed, scale, and sophistication of attacks combined with the security talent shortage and operational complexity give attackers an asymmetric advantage over defenders. Due to outdated technology and systems, lack of cyber talent and dated processes, government organizations are finding they are not prepared to deal with the scale, complexity, and ever-changing nature of cyberattacks. Artificial intelligence can help upskill or reskill teams, streamline tasks, and make it easier to detect and respond to threats quickly.
Implement an AI cyber defense strategy
Cybersecurity is a complex field that requires continuous innovation, skilled personnel, automation, and scalability. Microsoft’s security experts can collaborate with public sector organizations to implement an AI-driven cyber defense strategy that integrates the cyber ecosystem of a sector, region, or country. By leveraging AI technology, modernizing cybersecurity processes, and empowering security teams, public sector organizations can ensure they are equipped to manage and operate a next-generation government security operations platform.
Learn more about the importance of an AI cyber defense strategyAI-powered cybersecurity capabilities
AI powered threat intelligence
User & entity behavior analytics
Security orchestration, automation & response
Security information & event management
Security posture management
Learn how to protect your digital ecosystem from cyberattacks
Skilling resources to help you use technology to prevent, detect, and respond to threats quickly.
Securing the future: A five-point blueprint to transform public sector cyber defense in the GenAI era
Explore the five-point GenAI blueprint
Public Sector Cyber Defense: Skilling for the GenAI Era
Build GenAI cyber skills now-
Foundations of a modern public sector security operations center
Take this new Microsoft Learn module on the foundations of modern public sector security operations centers. Complete the course and earn an achievement award.
Start your SOC learning journey
Episode 60: Leveling the Cybersecurity Playing Field with AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud
Using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud to address cybersecurity challenges in the Public Sector.
This is a show for anyone who cares about using digital approaches in the public sector to deliver better outcomes. We explore stories from around the world, where public servants have been successful at driving change. We meet the people behind the stories, to hear their first-hand experiences and lessons learned. Throughout the series we discuss technology and trends, as well as the cultural aspects of making change happen.
Jonathan Cassar, the Chief Technology Officer and Head of Information Security at the Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA), provides insights into global cybersecurity trends and their implications for the public sector. He discusses strategies to bolster cybersecurity in government and critical infrastructure, approaches to tackling the cybersecurity talent shortage, the integration of human expertise with technology to combat threats effectively, and best practices for automating security operations in government.
Olivia Neal [host] | LinkedIn Â
Microsoft Public Sector Center of Expertise for more information and transcripts of all episodesÂ
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at aka.ms/microsoft/podcastsÂ
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Episode 59: Modernizing National Approaches to Cybersecurity
Sami Khoury is the Head of the Canadian Government’s Centre for Cyber Security. As Canada’s technical authority on cyber security, the team use their expertise to keep safe the information and systems that Canadians rely on, to protect and defend the country’s cyber assets and to lead Canada’s federal response to cybersecurity events.
Listen to the podcast -
Episode 58: Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven Landscape
Cybersecurity stands at the forefront of global concerns, and recent advancements in generative AI have opened new avenues for both progress and peril. Guest host Alvaro Vitta and Tom Burt, Corporate Vice President of Customer Security and Trust at Microsoft, delve into the insights from the 2023 Microsoft Digital Defense Report.
Listen to the podcast -
Episode 38: Cybersecurity, Compliance and Cloud: Lessons from Singapore
Yeo Beng Huay leads the Governance Planning and Policy Division in GovTech, Singapore. Her team plans and formulates policies, standards, and guidance for government ICT and smart systems, and provides data driven management of compliance and risks.
Listen to the podcast
2023 Microsoft Digital Defense Report
The 2023 Microsoft Digital Defense Report shares unique insights on how the digital threat landscape is evolving and what crucial actions can be taken now.
Read the report Listen to the podcastContent Library
Explore the resources below to help you advance your journey.
- Public Sector Cyber Defense: Skilling for the GenAI Era
- Securing the future: A five-point blueprint to transform public sector cyber defense in the GenAI era
Securing the future: A five-point blueprint to transform public sector cyber defense in the GenAI era
Explore the five-point GenAI blueprint - Career Essentials in Cybersecurity by Microsoft and LinkedIn
Career Essentials in Cybersecurity by Microsoft and LinkedIn
Discover the skills needed for a career in cybersecurity. Gain a solid understanding of commonly used cybersecurity terms. Explore the current threat landscape and learn the core concepts of cybersecurity.
Take the course - Public Sector Future Podcast | Episode 67: Cyber, Communications and Collaboration in Defense: Insights from Lt. Gen. Alan Lynn (Ret.)
Episode 67: Cyber, Communications and Collaboration in Defense: Insights from Lt. Gen. Alan Lynn (Ret.)
Lt. Gen. Alan Lynn (Ret.) is the former Commander of the US Defense Information Systems Agency. He joins guest host AT Ball to share his insights on establishing cyber as domain, the role of technology in collaboration and communication, and the importance of understanding the needs of those in the field.
- Microsoft’s Generative AI Cyber Defense Program for Public Sector
Microsoft’s Generative AI Cyber Defense Program for Public Sector
How Microsoft is partnering with public sector entities to implement an AI-centric cyber defense program that can protect their digital ecosystem and enable digital transformation.
Read the article - Learning Resources for Security Operations Analyst
Learning Resources for Security Operations Analyst
A security operations analyst works with others to secure information technology systems for their organization to protect, detect and defend against cyber-attacks. Explore this Learning Pathway that brings together resources for starting or advancing your skilling journey as a security operations analyst.
Explore the resources - Public Sector Future Podcast | Episode 60: Leveling the Cybersecurity Playing Field with AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud
Episode 60: Leveling the Cybersecurity Playing Field with AI, Machine Learning and Cloud
Using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud to address cybersecurity challenges in the Public Sector.
- Public Sector Future Podcast | Episode 59: Modernizing National Approaches to Cybersecurity
Episode 59: Modernizing National Approaches to Cybersecurity
Sami Khoury is the Head of the Canadian Government’s Centre for Cyber Security. As Canada’s technical authority on cyber security, the team use their expertise to keep safe the information and systems that Canadians rely on, to protect and defend the country’s cyber assets and to lead Canada’s federal response to cybersecurity events.
- Public Sector Future Podcast | Episode 58: Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven Landscape
Episode 58: Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven Landscape
Cybersecurity stands at the forefront of global concerns, and recent advancements in generative AI have opened new avenues for both progress and peril. Guest host Alvaro Vitta and Tom Burt, Corporate Vice President of Customer Security and Trust at Microsoft, delve into the insights from the 2023 Microsoft Digital Defense Report.
- How to Modernize Your Public Sector Security Operations Center
How to Modernize Your Public Sector Security Operations Center
Take the training and learn about the importance of modernizing security operations centers (SOC) in public sector organizations and the steps involved in SOC modernization.
Take the training - Protect Your Government Organization from Cyber Threats
Protect Your Government Organization from Cyber Threats
As governments expand their digital ecosystem and cyber threats increase and attacks become more sophisticated, it’s never been more important than it is right now to do everything in your power to protect your digital estate and that starts with having the ability to detect threats early.
Read the article - Welcome to the Future of Infrastructure
Welcome to the Future of Infrastructure
This year, The Future of Infrastructure is setting off on its own as a standalone podcast hosted on Microsoft’s Public Sector Center of Expertise. Learn more about this new podcast.
Read more - The Responsible Public Cloud
The Responsible Public Cloud
Read about Microsoft’s vision of the four fundamental building blocks of a responsible public cloud – inclusive economic opportunity, earning trust, protecting fundamental rights and building a sustainable future.
Read the briefing - Microsoft for Defense and Intelligence: Secure the digital defense ecosystem and improve interoperability
Microsoft for Defense and Intelligence: Secure the digital defense ecosystem and improve interoperability
Learn more about how to achieve the necessary level of interoperability while ensuring that your data is secure.
Read the blog - Modernizing Cybersecurity in Public Finance Organizations
Modernizing Cybersecurity in Public Finance Organizations
There are two major forces driving cyberattacks against Public Finance organizations – money and socio-political disruption. This blog details the potential effects of an attack on a Public Finance organization and what organizations can do now to protect themselves.
Read more - Public Sector Future Podcast | Episode 38: Cybersecurity, Compliance and Cloud: Lessons from Singapore
Episode 38: Cybersecurity, Compliance and Cloud: Lessons from Singapore
Yeo Beng Huay leads the Governance Planning and Policy Division in GovTech, Singapore. Her team plans and formulates policies, standards, and guidance for government ICT and smart systems, and provides data driven management of compliance and risks.
- Public Sector Future Podcast | Episode 37: Military Lessons on Cyberdefense
Episode 37: Military Lessons on Cyberdefense
Dr. Marcus Thompson is a retired Major General and former Head of Information Warfare for the Australian Defense Force. On the second episode of our cybersecurity mini-series, Dr. Thompson talks with Alvaro Vitta about best practices for protecting sensitive data and why making risk-based decisions is so important.
- Defending Your Data
Defending Your Data
Learn how Microsoft responds to data protection, privacy, and residency requirements. Through a collection of learning modules, webpages and articles you will learn about: data protection and privacy, data classification, data residency, data governance and compliance, how to optimize government operations with Azure, and how Microsoft secures our own datacenters.
View the collection - Secure Identities and Access
Secure Identities and Access
Learn about the important role that digital identity plays within your digital transformation journey. Through a collection of learning modules, webpages, articles, videos, and blogs you will learn about: secure identities, identity and access management, permissions management and decentralized identity.
View the collection - Learn How to Implement Zero Trust in Your Public Sector Organization
Learn How to Implement Zero Trust in Your Public Sector Organization
As public sector entities continue to embark on their digital transformation and cyber threats continue to increase, having a Zero Trust security strategy is now more essential than ever before. In this collection, learn more about the importance of a Zero Trust strategy and how to implement it.
View the collection - Government of Nunavut comes back stronger after ransomware attack with Microsoft security solutions
Government of Nunavut comes back stronger after ransomware attack with Microsoft security solutions
Read how Microsoft’s elite cybersecurity DART team quickly helped the Government of Nunavut, Canada when a ransomware attack shut down computer systems.
Read the success story - Cyber security with Microsoft Sentinel at the forefront of regional ambition
Cyber security with Microsoft Sentinel at the forefront of regional ambition
Read how Salford City Council is keeping its digital infrastructure safe by creating a commercial security operations centre built on a public-sector-operated platform and Microsoft Sentinel.
Read the success story - Helping state and local government agencies address cyber security
Helping state and local government agencies address cyber security
Cyber-attacks against state and local governments are increasing and with the workforce moving to remote work, vulnerabilities that may have been more fully protected by corporate networks are more easily exploited. Learn how you can ensure quality service delivery, safeguard your data, protect your digital infrastructure, and ensure privacy and regulatory compliance.
Read the blog - Public Sector Future Podcast | Episode 36: Cyber Resilience in Government
Episode 36: Cyber Resilience in Government
Tom Burt is the Corporate Vice President of Customer Security and Trust at Microsoft. On the first episode of our Cybersecurity mini-series, Tom tells Alvaro Vitta about the trends he’s seeing, working with the government in Ukraine on cyber defense, and how public sector organizations can be better prepared for future attacks.
- Public Sector Future Podcast | Episode 30: Restricted data in the cloud
Episode 30: Restricted data in the cloud
Rear Admiral António Gameiro Marques is the Director General of the Portuguese National Security Authority, which includes the National Cybersecurity Center.
- Public Sector Future Podcast | Episode 21: Cybersecurity – Protecting a global research university
Episode 21: Cybersecurity – Protecting a global research university
Mary Ann Blair is the Chief Information Security Officer at Carnegie Mellon University. She is responsible for information security engineering and operations; incident prevention, detection, and response; policy and compliance; training and awareness; and identity and access management services.
- Public Sector Future Podcast: Episode 12 | Taking defense and intelligence to the cloud edge
Episode 12: Taking defense and intelligence to the cloud edge
Mike Schrock is the Vice President of Global Alliances at Thales, leading work on technology initiatives involving the intersection between cloud technology, data security, public trust, digital payments, and society.
