Data protection, cloud advancement and containerization: 2022 state and local priorities

Between the lasting implications of the pandemic, continual shifts in work practices and the ever-present threat of a ransomware attack, state and local governments have persevered through another year of adapting to meet citizen needs and continue to deliver on the mission. This year, we’ve seen a push toward significant transformation of our technology systems, remote working capabilities and data infrastructures—showing state and local governments’ determination to push forward for more robust citizen service delivery.

As we enter 2022, some of the same trends will remain at the center stage, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), as both the private and public sectors continue to emphasize data protection. However, a new focus will be on modernization, including moving systems to the cloud, utilizing containerization and understanding how to sustain technology systems for years to come. These factors combined will lead to resilient systems that will continue to drive innovation for years to come.

1. Getting ahead of ransomware for maximum data security
From ransomware attacks on school systems and hospitals, to threats on critical infrastructure and government systems, the public sector is under immense pressure to build the strongest cyber defenses possible against bad actors. And as attacks become innumerable, ransomware insurance is getting harder to collect on.

When it comes to ransomware protection, the best way to prevent an attack is to stay ahead of it. So how can state and local IT leaders strategically implement a unified data protection architecture for the fastest data backup and recovery speed?

A few often-overlooked practices for data protection include backing up systems routinely, reinforcing basic cybersecurity awareness and education, and revisiting cyber incident response plans, often. Investing in solutions that prioritize rapid recovery—many with the most advanced AI built-in—makes it easier to minimize downtime and restore systems as quickly as possible. The most advanced systems of AI can reduce time to insight and integrate with existing technology, so IT leaders shouldn’t be afraid to dive into the data protection waters.

2. Leveraging the right resources for a seamless transition to the cloud
We’ve been throwing the term “cloud” around for a few years now, but how can state and local agencies double down on modernization with cloud to continue delivering efficient and effective citizen services?

2022 will be the year of definitive cloud transformation for government. But cloud—specifically hybrid cloud—can be challenging to manage. Cloud operations can get expensive, and many state and local IT leaders are challenged with a sense of what processes can be localized, what data should actually be stored in the cloud, and what makes sense to transition to the cloud in the short and long term.

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