By Richard LaTulip, Field Chief Information Security Officer at Recorded Future
The shape of cybersecurity in the public sector will depend less on how many attacks happen and more on how well agencies can see, manage, and control their systems. Managing vulnerabilities, updating account systems, and using Artificial Intelligence (A)I to support oversight are already converging. Agencies that combine these areas will reduce both risk and cost, while those that don’t may stay reactive and exposed.
Public sector organisations need to move from separate security tools to coordinated, intelligence-driven approaches. The year ahead will bring challenges, but also opportunities for agencies prepared to adapt.
Making patching a core part of defence
Public sector networks are large and often mix old infrastructure with cloud, mobile, and operational technology. By 2026, managing vulnerabilities and applying software updates will move from routine maintenance to a central part of security.
Attackers now exploit unpatched systems very quickly, scanning thousands of devices in minutes. With so many applications, distributed offices, and limited budgets, keeping up with updates can be challenging.
The next step is continuous monitoring and risk-based prioritisation. Instead of occasional checks, agencies will use real-time intelligence that considers both threats and business impact. This helps focus on the weaknesses most likely to be targeted, strengthening security through smart insight rather than sheer volume.
2026 will be the year of supply chain attacks The economic fallout from the Jaguar Land Rover breach – the costliest cyber incident in UK history – showed how a single compromise can disrupt entire communities. Beyond corporate losses, such events affect jobs, local economies, and public confidence. Around 30% of breaches now stem from third-party suppliers, and the risks deepen as threats move through layers of subcontractors and cloud providers. Geopolitical tensions, software vulnerabilities, and misconfigurations add further uncertainty.
To manage this, agencies will need intelligence-driven supply chain oversight – continuous monitoring of supplier exposure, contractual accountability for security standards, and the ability to act swiftly on new intelligence.
Renewed focus on protecting digital access
As government standards for secure login methods and password-free access become more common, public sector organisations face both opportunities and challenges. Stronger login controls
and consistent rules can help prevent account hacking, but making the change isn’t just about installing new technology.
The weakest link is often how identities – staff, contractors, and systems – are managed. Many agencies still rely on old account systems or have unused accounts that create hidden risks. By 2026, cyber attackers are expected to focus more on these account systems themselves.
To stay ahead, agencies should focus on:
● Careful setup and removal of accounts to avoid dormant access
● Ongoing monitoring of staff with high-level access
● Close attention to contractor and vendor accounts
● Connecting identity systems with other IT systems to see where access could pose a risk
Without strong management of accounts and access, modernising login systems may simply shift risks around instead of reducing them.
Tracking digital assets will be a priority
Strong cybersecurity starts with knowing exactly what systems and devices you have. Many public sector organisations still rely on incomplete or outdated inventories. Cloud and hybrid setups can hide forgotten or unmanaged systems, which can become easy targets for attackers.
By 2026, regularly checking and updating asset lists will become standard practice. Tools that automatically discover devices, map networks, and monitor external exposures will help agencies keep an accurate, up-to-date view of their digital environment. The goal goes beyond knowing what exists – it is also essential to understand who owns it, how it’s used, and where it could be vulnerable.
Without this clear picture, even the best security measures may be working in the dark.
A shift towards autonomous defence
Modern public sector systems are complex, and relying on people alone to manage security is no longer practical. AI and automation are becoming essential for spotting threats, prioritising risks, and taking action quickly.
By 2026, AI tools will help identify the most likely vulnerabilities, predict potential attacks, and automatically apply fixes. They can also show how a weakness in one department or supplier could create risks for others.
Even so, automation needs careful oversight. Relying solely on machines can hide mistakes. Agencies will need clear review processes and controls to make sure automation supports decision-making rather than replacing human judgment.
Outlook for 2026
In the coming year, public sector security teams will face pressure to modernise quickly while keeping trust and accountability intact. The agencies best prepared will have three key strengths: a clear view of all their systems and accounts, the ability to focus on the most important risks, and a balance between automated tools and human oversight.
Success in 2026 won’t be about collecting more data, but about understanding it clearly and using it to make smart decisions.
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