Government Communications: The Threats

By Nicole Allen, Marketing Manager at Salt Communications

In an age where information flows freely and rapidly, government communications have never been more vulnerable. The digital age has ushered in a revolution in how governments communicate, both internally and with the public. While this transformation has brought about unparalleled transparency, it has also exposed governments to an array of threats that can jeopardise national security, privacy, and public trust.

So, let’s delve into the threats that government communications face:

1. Cyberattacks:   

One of the most prominent threats governments face today is cyberattacks.

State-sponsored cyberattacks are a significant concern. These attacks often involve well-funded and highly skilled hackers. In 2021, the U.S. government attributed several high-profile cyberattacks to state actors, including the SolarWinds supply chain attack, which affected numerous federal agencies and private companies. Hackers, whether state-sponsored or independent, target government systems to steal classified information, disrupt critical services, or compromise sensitive data. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be catastrophic, potentially affecting national defence, infrastructure, and the economy.

2. Espionage: 

Espionage has been a constant in international politics, but in the digital age, it has evolved. Foreign governments often seek to infiltrate the communication networks of their counterparts to gather intelligence, monitor strategic developments, and gain a competitive edge. This involves the use of computer networks, malware, and various digital techniques to access and gather sensitive information from targeted entities, such as other governments or individuals within the government organisation.

3. Leaks and Whistleblowers: 

Governments rely on confidentiality to make informed decisions and protect sensitive information. However, leaks and whistleblowers can expose classified documents, creating diplomatic tensions and damaging the credibility of government agencies. Leaks can take various forms, including unauthorised disclosure of classified documents to the media, public disclosure by whistleblowers, or espionage activities. The motivations behind these leaks can range from exposing perceived wrongdoing to advancing personal or political agendas.

4. Misinformation and Disinformation: 

In recent years there has been a rise in the widespread dissemination of false or misleading information. Governments must navigate a landscape where malicious actors can easily manipulate public opinion by spreading disinformation, affecting elections, and sowing discord. Disinformation often transcends national borders, and malicious actors can operate globally. International cooperation is crucial in addressing this issue, as coordinated efforts can be more effective in countering disinformation.

5. Data Privacy Concerns:

As governments collect and store vast amounts of data on their citizens, concerns about data privacy and surveillance have grown. Ensuring that sensitive personal information remains secure is not only an ethical obligation but also a legal one. As governments amass vast data repositories, the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks increases. Such incidents can lead to the exposure of sensitive information, identity theft, and financial fraud. Governments must take measures to secure their data infrastructure.

Now, let’s address why protecting Government communications is an absolute necessity:

Government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are among the most popular targets for cyberattacks, with about 80% of nation-state attacks aimed at them, according to Microsoft, therefore internal communication is a critical defence measure.

National Security: 

Secure communications play a pivotal role in safeguarding a nation’s security interests by shielding critical information, military strategies, intelligence operations, and diplomatic negotiations from unauthorised access and surveillance. The need for such robust communication systems is driven by a multitude of factors that collectively contribute to a nation’s security and sovereignty.

Diplomatic negotiations are often conducted behind closed doors, and governments need to maintain the confidentiality of discussions to ensure that agreements and compromises can be reached without undue external pressure or influence. Secure communication is instrumental in protecting the integrity of these talks, whether they involve peace negotiations, trade agreements, or other diplomatic efforts.

Public Trust: 

Citizens entrust their governments with a wealth of personal data, from basic identification information to more sensitive data, such as tax records, healthcare information, and even surveillance data in some cases. This trust forms the foundation of the relationship between individuals and the state, as governments are expected to handle this data responsibly and ethically. Secure communication platforms are instrumental in not only safeguarding this data but also in reinforcing public trust in government institutions.

Efficient Governance: 

Secure communication enables government officials to collaborate effectively, make informed decisions, and respond swiftly to crises. A breach in communication systems can paralyse the government’s ability to function efficiently. This ensures that experts and decision-makers can work together, share expertise, and formulate well-informed strategies.‘Government Designed for New Times’, a McKinsey report, claims that the use of technology, including secure communication, is crucial to how government organisations operate in every area.

Diplomacy and International Relations: 

Secure channels of communication are not limited to domestic affairs; they are also of paramount importance for diplomatic negotiations and international cooperation. In the realm of international relations, governments must ensure that their communications with foreign counterparts remain confidential to foster trust and cooperation. One significant concept that illustrates the importance of secure communication in the context of international cooperation is the notion of a safe haven network to fall back on when all else fails.

Secure Communications isn’t a luxury, it’s a must

Having a secure communication system is not just a network for protecting data but also an instrument for upholding public trust in government institutions. By demonstrating a commitment to data privacy, responsible data handling, transparency, and accountability, governments can strengthen their relationship with citizens, ensuring that the data entrusted to them is used for the benefit of the public while preserving individual rights and freedoms. This trust is essential for the functioning of a democratic society and the legitimacy of government actions.

The threats faced by governments in the realm of communication are manifold and evolving. To protect national security and efficiently govern, secure communication is not an option but an absolute necessity. Government organisations will be able to manage their communications and feel confident in any situation that they may encounter during daily operations if they have a secure communication platform such as Salt Communications in place.

References: 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2021/10/25/microsoft-digital-defense-report-shares-new-insights-on-nation-state-attacks/#:~:text=The%20Microsoft%20Threat%20Intelligence%20Center,%2Dgovernment%20organizations%20(NGOs).

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/government-designed-for-new-times

https://saltcommunications.com/government/

https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/SolarWinds-hack-explained-Everything-you-need-to-know

https://arcticwolf.com/resources/blog/notable-cyber-attacks-on-government-agencies/

About the Author

Nicole Allen, Marketing Manager at Salt Communications. Nicole has been working within the Salt Communications Marketing team for several years and has played a crucial role in building Salt Communications reputation. Nicole implements many of Salt Communications digital efforts as well as managing Salt Communications presence at events, both virtual and in person events for the company.

Nicole can be reached online at (LINKEDIN, TWITTER  or by emailing [email protected]) and at our company website https://saltcommunications.com/