Top 3 Cybersecurity Threats Federal Agencies Should Know of
govciooutlookapac
Home » News

Top 3 Cybersecurity Threats Federal Agencies Should Know of

Government CIO Outlook | Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Federal Agencies that leverage up-to-date threat intelligence and convert it into actionable mitigation will be able to develop better policies, tools, and integrate strategies which are necessary to fight against the latest cyber threats.

FREMONT, CA: As humans migrate more into digital space, the need to protect the data becomes more crucial. The departments and agencies within the United States government have advanced over time to address the modern-day problems and meet day-to-day needs of citizens. The U.S. federal government contains over 430 departments, agencies, and sub-agencies, including millions of workers and devices.  Because of the scope of centralized management and control systems, prioritized to be limited to specific agencies, and specific solutions, a cross-collaboration between agencies can quickly become a challenge. Not only does the lack of solo management solution decrease the visibility, but the security profile of an interconnected cross-agency system is decreased to the risk profile of the weakest link in the entire cybersecurity chain. 

Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

Though the task of maintaining consistent federal cybersecurity can be dreadful, it will be successful if they are informed by a common set of data derived from current attack tactics. Agencies can know where to strengthen their networks and which controls should be a priority in their modernization initiatives. Here are three important emerging trends that agencies should keep in mind.

Public Infrastructure and Threats

Almost around 60 percent of threats share at least one common public infrastructure element. Along with this, when the threats share the infrastructure, they are more likely to use these resources at the same stage of the kill chain. By using this information, IT teams can actively search for, and block or monitor traffic led to or from these common domains. Observing this threat pattern carefully can also help disclose how similar attacks might function or show the agencies how similar classes of threats evolve.

Ransomware is becoming more specific

During the first quarter of 2019, cyber culprits deploying the LockerGoga ransomware used deep recognition to pre-target victims and evaded detection. The second quarter, RobbinHood and Ryuk ransomware variants, with similar strategy, have targeted certain municipalities. RobbinHood can also disable data encryption and prevent systems from disconnecting from shared drives, while Ryuk uses high-tech evasion tactics that includes destroying its encryption key and deleting shadow copies from infected systems to ensure that defenders are unaware of its presence. The Federal IT teams should secure ransomware entryways like the email and teach the workers how to spot and respond to phishing emails and other tactics. Agencies need to perform regular data backups, scan them for malware, and then store off the network. Data restoration drills should also be conducted to guarantee that data restoration is efficient and accurate.

Attackers "live off the land."

The tactics exploit pre-installed tools on the specific system to install malware, increases the privilege, and offers malicious payloads. The attacker's attack strategy is difficult to identify because they look like legal traffic. PowerShell, which comes pre-installed on Windows machines, is commonly used for these kinds of attacks, as it can be executed from memory, is opaque, and is trusted enabling to bypass security efforts similar to the whitelisting. Although PowerShell is one of the largest profile targets for this attack type, similar other tools are also being frequently compromised. This trend is one of the major trends for federal agencies to be aware of, especially when they run so much legacy IT. Federal IT teams should know which tools are running within the network, comprising the tools pre-installed on devices, as a part of an application suite or fixed in operating systems. The teams then need to implement dynamic trust policies and also the intent-based segmentation so that when the previously trusted tool acts doubtfully, it is immediately identified and separated to an isolated network segment until it is determined to be secure.

Cybersecurity has become a prime focus across the globe for the government, private citizens, and companies. As the government tries to measure the breadth of cybersecurity, the question of how best to manage the threats and organize defenses arises. Presently, there are cybersecurity divisions within various agencies, that includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and various intelligence groups such as the CIA and the NSA.

More in News

Today, the demand for transparent and accountable governance is more pressing than ever, as citizens increasingly expect clarity, accessibility, and reliability from public institutions. Yet traditional approaches have struggled under siloed data, cumbersome manual processes, and limited real-time information sharing. Cloud technology is emerging as a powerful solution, offering scalability, accessibility, and robust infrastructure that enable governments to overcome these challenges. By migrating operations and data to the cloud, public sector organizations can enhance openness, improve efficiency, and build greater trust with the people they serve. Breaking Down Silos and Fostering Data Accessibility One of the most significant contributions of cloud technology to transparent governance is its ability to centralize and standardize data. Government agencies have operated with disparate systems, resulting in fragmented data, inconsistent reporting, and a lack of a comprehensive view of operations. The cloud offers a common platform where various departments can store, access, and share information securely. This not only streamlines internal processes but also paves the way for greater public access to non-sensitive government data. Cloud solutions can play a substantial role in improving the efficiency of government operations, reinforcing transparency through streamlined processes and clearer oversight. By automating routine tasks, optimizing workflows, and enabling real-time analytics, cloud platforms reduce reliance on manual paperwork and fragmented systems. In advancing secure cloud adoption and enterprise technology modernization across public sector environments, Agility Technologies delivers solutions aligned with governance, cybersecurity, and compliance standards. These capabilities allow civil servants to focus on higher-value initiatives while limiting operational errors and inefficiencies. Accelerated processing of permits, licenses, and public records—enabled by cloud infrastructure—can further strengthen service delivery and public confidence in administrative performance. Facilitating Public Engagement and Feedback The accessibility afforded by cloud technology extends beyond just data provision; it also empowers greater public engagement. Cloud-based platforms can host citizen feedback portals, online surveys, and digital suggestion boxes, allowing governments to gather input from their constituents more efficiently and inclusively. These platforms can be designed to be interactive and transparent, showing how feedback is being considered and incorporated into policy decisions. This direct line of communication fosters a sense of participation and ownership among citizens, making governance a more collaborative and accountable process. CSS provides digital transformation solutions that enhance workflow automation, data accessibility, and operational efficiency in government environments. By strategically investing in cloud solutions, governments can build a future where information flows freely (within appropriate privacy boundaries), decision-making processes are transparent, and citizens are actively engaged in shaping their communities. The cloud is not just a technological upgrade; it is a fundamental shift towards a more open, efficient, and ultimately, more accountable system of governance for the 21st century. ...Read more
In the era of smartphones and instant communication, citizens are increasingly demanding a more direct and responsive relationship with their local government. Traditional reporting methods—phone calls, paper forms, or vague emails—are giving way to robust digital tools. Asset management apps, traditionally used internally by municipalities, are now being extended to citizens, creating a seamless, transparent, and highly effective channel for reporting issues such as potholes, streetlight outages, and other crucial service needs. This shift is fundamentally transforming how cities maintain their infrastructure and engage with their residents. The Digital Bridge: From Complaint to Correction A citizen-facing asset management application serves as a crucial digital bridge between residents and public works departments, transforming passive observations into actionable intelligence. By enabling citizens to document issues directly from their smartphones, the platform eliminates traditional barriers such as phone queues or complex web forms. With instant, geo-located reporting, residents effectively become the “eyes and ears” of the city. The app captures precise GPS coordinates and allows users to upload photos or videos, ensuring that submitted issues—whether a pothole, fallen sign, or water main break—arrive with rich contextual detail. This level of accuracy eliminates the guesswork and staff time typically spent locating problems described only vaguely, enabling the city to act quickly and efficiently. Once a report is submitted, the system’s integration with the city’s asset management infrastructure triggers an automated workflow. Smart routing immediately assigns the issue to the correct department based on its type and location, bypassing administrative delays. A detailed work order is generated instantly, complete with evidence, location data, and priority indicators, allowing field crews to deploy with the right tools and information. This seamless digital chain strengthens transparency and builds public trust. Citizens receive a unique case number and can monitor progress in real time—from submission and review to scheduling and resolution. Many platforms even send a final confirmation, often accompanied by a photo of the completed repair, validating the citizen’s role in improving their community. Beyond Reporting: Benefits for Government and Community The benefits of these mobile platforms go well beyond faster issue resolution. For citizens, the ability to report concerns anytime and anywhere encourages participation and reinforces their role in improving community wellbeing. Global Skills X-Change (GSX) supports structured workforce systems that help organizations strengthen workflow readiness and sustain alignment over time. The transparency of the process also builds trust, positioning government as a visible and responsive partner rather than a distant institution. For public agencies, aggregated data becomes a strategic asset, with real-time insights supporting smarter resource prioritization, budget planning, and long-term infrastructure strategy. Operational burdens are reduced through fewer calls, shorter response times, and automated data capture, which streamline workflows. Most importantly, the continuous flow of citizen-generated data enables proactive maintenance, allowing governments to detect trends and address potential failures before they escalate. In essence, these platforms not only modernize public service delivery but also strengthen the collaborative fabric between government and community. CSS supports public agencies with scientific response, environmental monitoring and data-driven insights for stronger operational resilience. The integration of citizen reporting into municipal asset management is a cornerstone of the "Smart City" concept. It leverages ubiquitous mobile technology to build a truly collaborative governance model. Citizens are no longer passive recipients of services but active co-producers of public value. For municipalities looking to maximize public trust and operational efficiency, adopting a feature-rich civic reporting app is no longer a luxury—it is an essential investment in responsive, modern governance. By putting the power of asset management into the hands of the people, cities can look forward to cleaner streets, safer infrastructure, and a more engaged community. ...Read more
Various government entities are currently experiencing significant changes. Integrating technology, innovative strategies, and improved collaboration uncover new and promising ways to enhance the delivery of essential services to citizens and families nationwide. Transformations are occurring at every level of government, leading to exciting opportunities to improve the provision of vital services to individuals and families nationwide. Fluid Government Workforce Models: Governments prioritize innovative strategies to attract and retain highly skilled individuals in economic challenges. To maintain competitiveness, they are revamping the structure of the public-sector workforce to promote flexibility and collaboration. A prime illustration of this is NASA's internal talent marketplace, which provides employees with a platform to explore and engage in various rotations, detailed assignments, and special projects. Government leaders are veering away from conventional talent models that rely on rigid job descriptions and specific educational qualifications. Instead, they embrace a skills-oriented approach to talent acquisition and workforce administration. Crossing the Data-Sharing Chasm: Government agencies possess vast amounts of data, yet they face the overwhelming task of managing this deluge of information. Moving forward, these agencies will encounter the challenge of developing effective data management strategies that enable them to harness the power of data to drive government innovation and make well-informed decisions. By continuously enhancing governance practices and implementing practical examples, agencies can facilitate secure data-sharing across various government sectors, thereby addressing intricate issues and improving the lives of individuals. Tackling Funding Silos: Isolated funding silos can impede the advancement of crucial initiatives. Nevertheless, government officials are now more inclined to adopt shared funding models that promote collaboration among agencies. To foster this approach, the federal government is actively promoting the establishment of intergovernmental collective funding mechanisms, like the Technology Modernization Fund. At the same time, leaders of regional governments are granting greater funding autonomy to lower levels of government, enabling them to address specific community needs with enhanced flexibility and coordination. Tailored Government Services: Government agencies are moving away from the conventional one-size-fits-all method of providing services. They now prioritize accessibility and user-friendly experiences to ensure individuals and families can quickly access necessary information and resources, particularly during critical times. Digital advancements, behavioral science insights, and innovative data management tools enable agencies to offer customized and individualized services to enhance service delivery. ...Read more
The integration of AI is fundamentally transforming law enforcement by providing powerful tools that enhance efficiency, safety, and effectiveness. AI is increasingly being used in areas such as recruitment, video redaction, and accreditation, which are essential for advancing the core principles of modern policing: accountability and compliance. By partially automating complex and resource-intensive administrative tasks, AI helps agencies reduce human error, streamline operations, and enable staff to concentrate on more critical tasks. AI in Recruitment: Mitigating Bias and Ensuring Fair Hiring Recruiting the right personnel forms the foundation of a compliant, ethical, and accountable law enforcement agency. AI plays a vital role in enhancing fairness and transparency within the hiring process by introducing greater objectivity to candidate evaluation. AI-powered recruitment tools analyze applications and résumés against predefined, job-specific criteria, helping to minimize unconscious bias that may influence human reviewers. By standardizing screening practices, AI ensures that all applicants are assessed on uniform metrics, fostering diversity and equitable consideration. Advanced algorithms can identify predictive performance indicators by analyzing anonymized data from existing officers to determine traits associated with positive outcomes, such as strong ethical conduct and community engagement. This data-driven approach enables agencies to target candidates who are more likely to provide responsible, compliant service. However, the successful integration of AI in recruitment requires continuous monitoring, auditing, and transparency to ensure that algorithms do not perpetuate existing systemic biases embedded in historical data. When implemented responsibly, AI can strengthen recruitment practices, ensuring fairness while optimizing talent acquisition for law enforcement agencies. AI in Video Redaction: Protecting Privacy and Enhancing Compliance The widespread adoption of body-worn cameras (BWCs) and dashcams has improved transparency and accountability in law enforcement. Still, it has also created a substantial operational challenge—the need to redact sensitive footage before public release or judicial use. Compliance with privacy regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and local Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) standards makes this process both essential and complex. AI-powered redaction software is transforming this task by automatically detecting and blurring personally identifiable information (PII) such as faces, license plates, and documents in both video and audio recordings. This automation significantly reduces the time and effort required for manual redaction while enhancing accuracy and consistency. Unlike manual processes, which are prone to human error and time delays, AI-driven redaction delivers rapid, precise results, ensuring sensitive information remains protected. Additionally, modern redaction systems provide detailed audit trails documenting each action, thereby strengthening accountability and supporting complete compliance audits. By leveraging AI, law enforcement agencies can expedite transparency initiatives, safeguard citizen privacy, and minimize the risk of non-compliance or legal exposure—effectively aligning operational efficiency with ethical responsibility. The potential of AI to enhance accountability and compliance within law enforcement is considerable. From promoting fair and equitable recruitment practices to safeguarding privacy through automated video redaction to streamlining complex accreditation processes, AI presents clear opportunities to modernize policing operations. By integrating AI within a robust framework of governance, ethics, and law, law enforcement agencies can leverage its transformative potential to foster greater accountability, compliance, and effectiveness in policing. ...Read more

Weekly Brief