State and local government entities — city councils, agencies, public utilities — remain disproportionately attractive targets for credential-based attacks. Multi-factor authentication is the most-discussed mitigation, but the implementation choices decide whether MFA actually changes the threat model or just adds friction.
Why Government Sectors are being targeted?
The amount of information stored by government agencies is immense. Most of it is classified data concerning their citizens. Massive disruption can occur if this data is compromised. Government sector employees are working constantly round the clock and can fall prey to phishing. Cybersecurity readiness is still lacking in most government sectors.
It is surprising that even with a significant rise of cyberattacks in the government sector, many officials are still hesitant in implementing cybersecurity measures.
Defining Cyber Threats
Cyber attackers rely on phishing and ransomware — old methods that remain effective. An overworked employee is likely to cause an error, and threats actors are always ready to abuse those errors. One simple error of logging into an illegitimate phishing website can result in huge financial losses.
Government sectors face MFA-resistant phishing attacks. Threat actors have managed to dodge SMS- and OTP-based MFA, which can now be intercepted.
Cyberattacks extend to election meddling and manipulation. Foreign governments have been accused of prying into election campaigns to create fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
In a remote work environment, minimizing the attack surface has become a difficult task. However, by distinguishing the areas by which a cyber attacker can get access to systems and resources, the government sector can apply appropriate security to it. Today, many government organizations are shifting towards a zero-trust architecture to minimize the attack surface. A no trust, always verifies policy can significantly reduce the attack surface, as all access is provided after verification.
Improve Cybersecurity Readiness
Minimizing the Attack Surface
With remote work, minimizing the attack surface is harder. Many government organizations are shifting toward zero-trust architecture. A "no trust always verifies" policy can significantly reduce the attack surface.
Training
Training is essential. Cyber awareness programs should teach staff about phishing, ransomware, MITM attacks, and malware. A strong email filtering system also helps.
Strong MFA Solution
Government organizations should implement strong MFA — biometrics that cannot be easily compromised, plus hardware security keys and cards. Such mechanisms can prevent cyberattacks in the government sector.
Improve Government Security with AmbiSecure
FIDO2 simplifies and secures user authentication using public-key cryptography. The OnePass USB Key and OnePass Card offer hardware-based authentication that defends against phishing attacks and reduces account-takeover risk. AmbiSecure helps organizations accelerate to a password-less future. The key/card requires no battery or network connectivity.
About Ambimat Electronics
Close to 4 decades of design experience. Solutions include AmbiPay, AmbiPower, AmbiCon, AmbiSecure, AmbiSense, AmbiAutomation across smartwatches, smart homes, medical, robotics, retail, security.