Cybersecurity

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Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks against public sector organizations are on the rise. The adoption of modern security technology, processes and ongoing skill development of your team is crucial to protect your digital landscape.

Cybersecurity is shaping the world and impacting public sector organizations

62 percent

Cyberattacks targeting public sector organizations

62% of all cyberattacks are targeting public sector organizations. Source: 2024 MDDR

95 percent

Countries that could experience a major attack

95% of countries could have a major attack from state actors using Gen AI by 2027. Source: IDC FutureScape: Worldwide National Government 2024 Predictions

30 percent

Are prepared

Only 30% of public sector organizations will be resilient enough to prevent disruptions and breaches. Source: IDC FutureScape: Worldwide National Government 2024 Predictions

21 percent

Attacks targeting education and research

Education and research became the second most targeted sector by nation-state threat actors in 2024, accounting for 21% of observed attacks globally. Source: 2024 MDDR

99 percent

Identity attacks are password-based

Password attacks make up 99% of all identity attacks. Source: 2024 MDDR

Cybersecurity in the Public Sector

Cybersecurity is shaping the world and impacting every organization. The speed, scale, and sophistication of attacks combined with the security talent shortage and operational complexity give attackers an asymmetric advantage over defenders. Due to outdated technology and systems, lack of cyber talent and dated processes, government organizations are finding they are not prepared to deal with the scale, complexity, and ever-changing nature of cyberattacks. Artificial intelligence can help upskill or reskill teams, streamline tasks, and make it easier to detect and respond to threats quickly.

Securing Nations in the Intelligent Economy

Microsoft and Accenture’s new whitepaper explores why cyber resilience is now central to national security, economic stability, and sovereignty. As AI and quantum computing reshape critical infrastructure, cyber risk has evolved from a technical issue into a strategic statecraft challenge. The paper outlines a clear, actionable agenda across four national imperatives—from securing AI as critical infrastructure to preparing for the quantum transition and building whole-of-nation cyber resilience.

Learn how to protect national security, economic resilience, and public trust in an increasingly complex threat landscape

AI-powered cybersecurity capabilities

AI powered threat intelligence

User & entity behavior analytics

Security orchestration, automation & response

Security information & event management

Security posture management

Learn how to protect your digital ecosystem from cyberattacks

Skilling resources to help you use technology to prevent, detect, and respond to threats quickly.

  • One person presents sticky notes on a whiteboard while another, seated at a laptop, follows along.

    Securing the future: A five-point blueprint to transform public sector cyber defense in the GenAI era

    Reimagine security for the AI era. Read this new white paper and learn how to build resilient, future-proof architectures that defend at machine speed.

    Explore the five-point GenAI blueprint
  • Individual seated in front of a laptop, resting a pen against their hair while looking at the screen.

    Public Sector Cyber Defense: Skilling for the GenAI Era

    Strengthen your cyber defense for the AI era—explore our skilling collection and gain hands-on experience with GenAI-powered security strategies, Zero Trust, and collaborative defense.

    Build GenAI cyber skills now
  • Overhead shot of people working in the Microsoft Cyber Defense Operations Center

    Foundations of a modern public sector security operations center

    Take this new Microsoft Learn module on the foundations of modern public sector security operations centers. Complete the course and earn an achievement award.

    Start your SOC learning journey

Episode 60: Leveling the Cybersecurity Playing Field with AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud

Using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud to address cybersecurity challenges in the Public Sector.

Download transcript
Episode 60 guest speaker Jonathan Cassar
  • Watch the Interview: How the National Health Service Uses AI & Automation to Protect Millions

    Watch the interview with Microsoft’s Alvaro Vitta and Ryan Lee, National Security Operations Center Lead for NHS England.

    Watch the full interview
  • Episode 58: Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven Landscape

    Cybersecurity stands at the forefront of global concerns, and recent advancements in generative AI have opened new avenues for both progress and peril. Guest host Alvaro Vitta and Tom Burt, Corporate Vice President of Customer Security and Trust at Microsoft, delve into the insights from the 2023 Microsoft Digital Defense Report.

    Listen to the podcast
  • Episode 38: Cybersecurity, Compliance and Cloud: Lessons from Singapore

    Yeo Beng Huay leads the Governance Planning and Policy Division in GovTech, Singapore. Her team plans and formulates policies, standards, and guidance for government ICT and smart systems, and provides data driven management of compliance and risks.

    Listen to the podcast
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2025 Microsoft Digital Defense Report

Cybersecurity is at a turning point—AI is reshaping both threats and defenses. Explore the 2025 Microsoft Digital Defense Report to understand emerging risks and actionable strategies to safeguard economies, public trust, and national resilience.

Read the report

Content Library

Explore the resources below to help you advance your journey.

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