This month is cybersecurity month, and GovLoop has a variety of guides, trainings and resources for you to improve your agencies cybersecurity efforts. Last month, GovLoop released the guide, Winning the Cybersecurity Battle, as part of our Agency of the Future series. Today, I wanted to take a moment to talk through some of the data from our survey.
The survey included insights from 167 government and industry professionals on their agency’s approach to cybersecurity. We had responses from dozens of agencies, such as the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce and state and local government agencies from Montana, New York, and Idaho.
The survey was designed to focus on best practices, common trends and help provide an overall landscape of cybersecurity in government. One question in particular that I wanted to highlight explored the level of preparedness to combat a cyber attack. Here are the findings:
- 10% of respondents said their agencies were fully prepared for a cyber attack.
- 22% of respondents admitted they did not know enough to provide an answer, showing a lack of awareness of cyber security issues.
- 60% of respondents believe their agencies are either moderately (30%) or somewhat (30 %) prepared for a cyber attack.
- 8% of respondents said their agencies are not at all prepared for a cyber attack.
The survey has dozens of interesting findings. You can read the full report below, or download a PDF.
Some additional findings from the survey:
- 90% of respondents do not believe their agencies are fully prepared for a cyber attack and named the ever-changing, ever-challenging nature of cyber threats, as well as inadequate staffing and training as the biggest obstacles standing in the way of full-preparedness.
- 22% of respondents could not accurately assess the cybersecurity systems and policies of their agencies.
- 49% of respondents cited phishing as the largest threat to cyber security at their agency.
Our survey reinforces the need for agencies to focus on cybersecurity initiatives. Our report additionally includes insights from the State of Michigan, a federal perspective on cybersecurity and a cybersecurity cheat sheet to start conversations in your agency on how to stay secure and protect IT systems. Although threats and risks are growing in complexity, agencies must continue to share best practices and identify ways to mitigate risks and damages from an attack.
Here are some resources to get you started:
- Your Cybersecurity Cheat Sheet
- Navigating the Cyber Threat Landscape
- Cyber Security in Focus [Infographic]
- Providing Secure Mobility for Agencies [Report]
- Agency of the Future Guide: Winning the Cybersecurity Battle
- Important Weapon in the Cyber War: SecureView MILS Workstation
- 9 Sources of Cyber Threats Highlighted in GAO Report
Want More GovLoop Content? Sign Up For Email Updates
Thank you to our industry partners for sponsoring the GovLoop Report, Winning the Cybersecurity Battle. With any questions about this report, please reach out to Pat Fiorenza, Senior Research Analyst, at pat@govloop.com.
 |
 |
 |
 |
