The Challenges Facing Scotland’s Public Sector IT Departments

By Chris Templeton, CTO at FullProxy?

I recently had the pleasure of attending Holyrood Connect 's Public Sector Cloud Services, Infrastructure and AI 2024 event in Edinburgh on 24th September. This gathering brought together thought leaders from across the public sector, with cloud and AI emerging as the golden threads tying the event's content together. From a cyber security perspective, several key insights stood out.?

The Cyber Security Budget Conundrum?

One of the most striking realisations from the event was the persistent challenge of prioritising cyber security within public sector management teams. Many departments struggle to commit resources to improving their cyber security posture due to budgetary constraints. However, this short-term thinking could prove costly in the long run.?

Consider this, if an attack were to occur, the cost of restoration and implementing protective measures could easily be tenfold the initial investment in prevention. It's a classic case of 'penny wise, pound foolish'.?

The key to overcoming this hurdle lies in effective communication. When management teams are presented with the risks in tangible, material terms, they're far more likely to appreciate the necessity of robust security measures. If cyber security is ranked highly as a potential corporate risk, securing funding to enhance capabilities should become significantly easier.?

Let's be clear: investing in cyber security measures isn't just about avoiding a breach. It's about safeguarding your department’s finances, reputation, and operational stability. In essence, it's an investment that pays dividends in peace of mind and operational continuity.?

The Cloud Migration Quandary?

Cloud migration is increasingly becoming the norm across the public sector. The Scottish Government 's collaboration with DataVita to create the Scottish National Cloud is offering organisations a compelling proposition for migration. However, it's crucial to understand that moving to the cloud isn't a cyber security panacea.?

For those transitioning from legacy systems, cloud migration doesn't automatically resolve all security concerns. A comprehensive security strategy must still be developed and implemented in the new environment.?

It's worth noting that legacy systems remain prevalent throughout Scotland's public sector. While these may seem outdated, they can still be fortified with cutting-edge security software. The key is to approach security holistically, regardless of your infrastructure's age or location.?

Conclusion?

Whether your cyber security needs involve securing your cloud infrastructure or managing your certificate lifecycle, it's crucial to have expert guidance. At FullProxy, we're committed to helping public sector departments navigate these complex waters.?

The insights gleaned from the Holyrood Connect event underscore a critical point - cyber security is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. It requires a nuanced understanding of your team's specific needs, challenges, and goals.?

As we move forward in an increasingly digital world, let's remember that cyber security isn't just an IT issue—it's a fundamental business imperative. By prioritising and investing in robust cyber security measures, we're not just protecting data; we're safeguarding the future of the public sector.?