The Impact of Administration Change on Cybersecurity

The shift in political leadership has far-reaching consequences that extend into a variety of sectors, one of which is cybersecurity. When a new administration takes office, it brings with it changes in policies, priorities, and funding that can significantly impact how organizations and government agencies approach cyber threats. For those tasked with defending sensitive data and networks, the changing political landscape creates both new opportunities and emerging risks, many of which are linked to government size, employee turnover, asset movements, and data access. This 3-part blog series will explore the broader implications of a new political administration on cybersecurity. 

Big Government vs. Small Government

The size and scope of government, in particular the federal government, can influence its approach to cybersecurity in profound ways. A new administration may usher in a shift toward either a bigger or smaller government, with significant consequences for how agencies manage and secure sensitive information. 

Big Government: A larger government typically means more agencies, more employees, and more complexity in cybersecurity oversight. While this can lead to a broader capacity to address security concerns through increased funding and more resources, it can also introduce a higher risk of inconsistent security standards. Furthermore, the more people that are involved in government operations, the greater the potential for cyberattacks to exploit weak points in the extended infrastructure. 

• Cybersecurity Challenge: The larger the government, the harder it can be to create and enforce uniform cybersecurity protocols across all branches and agencies. With more employees, the potential for internal vulnerabilities increases, especially if employees are not properly trained in cyber hygiene and threat awareness. A new political administration, especially one with a different ideological stance from the prior administration, may seek to consolidate or streamline  agencies, creating the potential for security lapses during the transition. 

Small Government: Conversely, smaller government models may lead to more efficient and focused efforts in cybersecurity. However, with fewer resources and staff, the government’s cybersecurity capabilities could be stretched thin. The focus on reducing the size and scope of government may also lead to job cuts, restructuring, and the potential for budget constraints, which could reduce funding for cybersecurity initiatives. 

• Cybersecurity Challenge: Smaller government entities may struggle with recruiting and retaining the talent necessary to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Reduced resources can also make it difficult to invest in up-to-date technology, and smaller teams may lack the capacity to respond to large-scale cyber incidents.