Federal agencies deal with sensitive data and critical infrastructure while executing their public functions. They are naturally vulnerable to malicious attacks and data breaches. While strategic use of technology and cloud-based systems is important to delivering their mission, security monitoring is crucial. The federal zero-trust strategy calls for a holistic approach to protecting data and systems. Doing so helps mitigate safety concerns and service disruptions.

The upheaval of this past year has revealed how vulnerable global systems are to cybercriminals and bad actors. Cyberattacks have surged, with a reported 400% increase in attacks since the pandemic, and a 278% increase in leaked U.S. government records. However, cyberattacks didn’t just increase in terms of volume, they also grew in scale, potency and wide impact, particularly in the public sector.