6 cybersecurity must-haves for innovative public sector leaders

ThoughtLab's cybersecurity benchmark study indicates that cybersecurity is at a pivotal moment, with public sector organizations facing increased complexities due to trends like digital transformation and remote work. Despite 60% of these organizations being at a mid-implementation level of cybersecurity maturity, 34% still feel unprepared for evolving threats. Key areas for improvement include addressing system misconfigurations, outsourcing security operations centers and threat intelligence due to resource constraints, and enhancing security information and event management (SIEM) with machine learning capabilities. Public sector entities are also encouraged to harden operational technology attack surfaces and consolidate tools into platforms for greater efficiency. Emphasizing human-centric cybersecurity—through awareness, training, and community engagement—can lead to fewer breaches and quicker response times. The report underscores the importance of strategic investments and resource optimization to navigate the new era of digital risk.