techUK Ltd.

07/04/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/04/2025 03:29

Modernising government tech is essential for cybersecurity

Industry views
04 Jul 2025

Modernising government tech is essential for cybersecurity

Guest blog by Jay Bangle, CTIO at TPX Impact #techUKdigitalPS

Jay Bangle

CTIO, TPX Impact

There are many fantastic digital transformation projects going on across the public sector. However, despite the great efforts being made to update services, legacy IT systems remain a persistent challenge. Many government services still rely on ageing infrastructure and systems that are becoming stretched beyond their limits. These ageing platforms not only hinder performance but also impact services the public depends on.

Perhaps most critically, legacy systems pose a serious and growing threat to cybersecurity. Outdated architecture and a lack of modern security controls leave public services increasingly vulnerable to attacks. As cyber threats become more frequent and sophisticated, the risks associated with legacy technology can no longer be ignored.

The security risks of outdated systems

Legacy systems aren't just inefficient, they're a liability. From regular service disruptions and incompatibility with new technologies to difficulty scaling, the operational limitations are well known. But the hidden dangers are often the most severe: outdated security protocols, unpatched vulnerabilities, and brittle infrastructure that create an open door for cybercriminals.

Recent incidents have shown that cyberattacks targeting public institutions are not rare exceptions; they're a growing norm. With attackers exploiting gaps in outdated systems, the consequences can include data loss, service outages, and loss of public trust.

To counter these risks, government departments must first gain a complete understanding of their existing tech environment. Conducting a thorough audit of digital infrastructure is an essential starting point. Without insight into where vulnerabilities lie, there's no clear path to strengthening resilience.

Turning awareness into action

Identifying the problem is just the beginning. Departments also need the capacity, expertise, and strategic support to move forward. That means building a realistic and long-term roadmap to replace or overhaul ageing systems, rather than relying on short-term fixes.

Making a strong business case for modernisation is critical. Legacy systems increase operational costs, drain resources, and delay service delivery. Modern infrastructure, on the other hand, can streamline operations, eliminate the need for inefficient workarounds, and reduce the security risks that come with technical debt.

Importantly, updating core systems also improves transparency and trust. With more reliable and resilient platforms, public services can deliver consistently and securely, building citizen confidence while reducing the likelihood of critical failures.

A foundation for trust and innovation

Upgrading government IT is not only about performance and protection. It also creates the right conditions for digital innovation. Secure, modern systems support the safe use of emerging technologies, including AI, automation, and predictive analytics. Tools that have the potential to transform public service delivery when used responsibly.

Investing in secure digital infrastructure lays the groundwork for a more adaptive, efficient government. It boosts long-term cost-effectiveness and supports responsive services that can evolve with citizen needs. In contrast, deferring investment only compounds risk and adds to future technical and financial burdens.

The time to act is now

Cybersecurity threats are no longer theoretical or distant. Public bodies are being actively targeted, and the cost of inaction is rising. Modernising legacy systems is not a nice-to-have; it's a strategic imperative.

To protect public data, maintain trust, and ensure the resilience of vital services, government must prioritise the renewal of its digital foundations. With strong leadership, clear investment strategies, and a commitment to long-term planning, we can build a safer, smarter public sector fit for the digital age.

Digital Transformation in the Public Sector Week 2025 #techUKdigitalPS

Central Government Programme activities

The techUK Central Government Programme provides a forum for government to engage with tech suppliers. We advocate for the govtech sector, evangelise tech as a solution to public sector challenges, facilitate market engagement, and help make the public sector an easier market to operate in. Visit the programme page here.

Digital Transformation in the Public Sector Week 2025 #techUKdigitalPS

Welcome to Digital Transformation in the Public Sector Week 2025 - a dedicated space to explore how technology is reshaping public services across the UK.

Read all the insights here

CCS Public Sector Software Solutions (RM6396) Framework Market Engagement event

On Thursday 10 July (10.00-11.30) techUK is pleased to host a virtual supplier engagement session with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) to help shape the new Public Sector Software Solutions RM6396 framework agreement.

Book now!

CCS Public Sector Software Solutions (RM6396) Framework Market Engagement event | 17 July

On Thursday 17 July (10.00-11.30) techUK is pleased to host a virtual supplier engagement session with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) to help shape the new Public Sector Software Solutions RM6396 framework agreement.

Book now!

Building the Smarter State 2025 10 September

Building the Smarter State is techUK's flagship public services conference and the go-to event for public sector digital leaders. The annual event welcomes over 200 senior leaders and decisions makers from across the public sector and the technology industry to showcase how technology is shaping today's and tomorrow's public services.

Learn more and register here

Upcoming events

4 July 2025

GDS Cloud & Platforms market engagement - FinOps health-check for public sector

Hybrid - techUK Offices and Online Market briefing
9 July 2025

Navigating AI Adoption for Central Government: Cloud, Data, and Security Fundamentals

Partner event
10 July 2025

CCS Public Sector Software Solutions (RM6396) Framework Market Engagement event

Online Webinar

Latest news and insights

30 Jun 2025

Digital Transformation in the Public Sector Week 2025 #techUKdigitalPS

09 May 2025

Share Your Insights: Transforming Public Procurement Stakeholder Survey

06 May 2025

Call for blogs: Digital Transformation in the Public Sector Week 2025 #techUKdigitalPS

Learn more and get involved

Central Government updates

Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Central Government programme.


Here are the five reasons to join the Central Government Programme

Download

Join techUK groups

techUK members can get involved in our work by joining our groups, and stay up to date with the latest meetings and opportunities in the programme.

Learn more

Become a techUK member

Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.

Learn more

Meet the team

Heather Cover-Kus

Head of Central Government Programme, techUK

×
Heather Cover-Kus Head of Central Government Programme, techUK Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government. Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She led the organisation's FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech. Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas. Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College. Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cover-kus-ba636538

Ellie Huckle

Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK

×
Ellie Huckle Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme. The programme represents the supplier community of technology products and services in Central Government - in summary working to make Government a more informed buyer, increasing supplier visibility in order to improve their chances of supplying to Government Departments, and fostering better engagement between the public sector and industry. To find out more about what we do, how we do this and how you can get involved - make sure to get in touch! Prior to joining techUK, Ellie completed Sixth Form in June 2015 and went on to work in Waitrose, moved on swiftly to walking dogs and finally, got an office job working for a small local business in North London, where she lives with her family and their two Bengal cats Kai and Nova. When she isn't working Ellie likes to spend time with her family and friends, her cats, and enjoys volunteering for diabetes charities. She has a keen interest in writing, escaping with a good book and expanding her knowledge watching far too many quiz shows! Email: [email protected] Phone: 020 7331 2015 Twitter: @techUK,@techUK Website: https://www.techuk.org,https://www.techuk.org LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3mtQ7Jx,https://bit.ly/3mtQ7Jx

Charles Bauman

Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK

×
Charles Bauman Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK Charles Bauman is a Junior Programme Manager in the Central Government Programme at techUK. He supports the programme's mission to represent the technology supplier community to the UK government and advocate for digital innovation to address public sector challenges. Charles helps facilitate market engagement, foster partnerships, and ensure that tech suppliers and the government work collaboratively to improve outcomes, deliver value for money, and enhance public services for citizens. Before joining techUK, Charles gained significant experience in research, analysis, and strategic advisory roles. At H/Advisors Cicero, he specialised in public affairs and corporate communications, while at Verdantix, he supported sustainability research and advisory projects, focusing on regulatory and environmental challenges. Charles holds an MSc in Theory and History of International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and an MA in Medieval History from King's College London. Charles enjoys volunteering with a think tank, reading, hiking, and spending time with his dog and family outside of work. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.techuk.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-bauman-75712016b/

Francesca Richiusa

Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK

×
Francesca Richiusa Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK's Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members. Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey-an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse. Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.techuk.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/

Tracy Modha

Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK

×
Tracy Modha Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security. Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe! Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy! Email: [email protected] Phone: 02073312000 Website: https://www.techuk.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83
Return to listing
techUK Ltd. published this content on July 04, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 04, 2025 at 09:29 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io