Preparing the Public Sector for 2026: Key Cybersecurity Priorities

I recently had the chance to contribute to the Government & Public Sector Journal (GPSJ), where I discussed how the public sector can bolster its cybersecurity stance as we approach 2026. As the threat landscape shifts, government agencies are under increasing pressure to modernize defenses, enhance visibility, and adopt more intelligence-driven approaches to managing risk.

In the article, I discuss several themes that will shape public-sector cybersecurity in the year ahead:

• Intelligence-Led Defense:
Agencies must move beyond reactive security. Threat intelligence, when operationalized effectively, provides the context necessary to anticipate adversary behavior and prioritize the risks that matter most.

• Vulnerability and Exposure Management:
Traditional patch cycles are no longer sufficient. A risk-based approach, rooted in real-time knowledge of attack paths and exploitability, will be crucial for maintaining resilience.

• Identity, Access, and Asset Visibility:
From zero trust adoption to privileged access controls, identity continues to be a primary attack vector. Strengthening identity governance and maintaining complete asset visibility across environments will be essential.

• Automation and AI in Cyber Operations:
AI is reshaping both attack and defense strategies. Public-sector organizations need to figure out how to responsibly incorporate automation to enhance speed, detection accuracy, and decision-making without sacrificing governance or oversight.

These priorities reflect a broader shift toward resilience, ensuring that systems can withstand, adapt to, and recover from disruption, even when adversaries evolve faster than traditional controls.

I appreciate GPSJ for featuring this perspective. For those interested in a deeper dive into how government organizations can position themselves for the cybersecurity challenges of 2026, the full article is available on their site:

Read the full article here: https://www.gpsj.co.uk/?p=10561