NEWS
LEADERSHIP AND DIGITAL LITERACY ARE IMPACTING PUBLIC SECTOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
New research by Granicus, a leading provider of customer engagement and experience technology, reveals that despite AI and Machine Learning( ML)( 39 %), big data analytics( 30 %) and cybersecurity( 27 %) becoming the top priorities for the public sector, digital literacy( 25 %) and leadership and vision( 27 %) emerge as major barriers for Digital Transformation.
The research, which gathers insight from public sector workers in central government, local government and the NHS, reveals that of the essential skills most likely to prevent the adoption of better digital services in the future, 25 % of public sector respondents said digital literacy is a crucial skill to address. As a result, 30 % also said that training and development will be important in the next three years.
Although the data suggests the public sector views AI and data analytics as a priority for the future, the research reveals that the sector is not benefiting from existing investment in technology to enhance service delivery. Over half of respondents( 58 %) said they have the correct digital tools in place, but they could be utilised more effectively for stronger outcomes. Leadership and vision for AI and emerging technology is slowing adoption as the data suggests that both middle management( 36 %) and executive leadership( 34 %) are seen as key barriers.
56 % of public sector workers also said poor communication and collaboration across departments has impeded the progress of digital initiatives and as a result, less than half of respondents( 46 %) are happy with their organisation’ s current digital services in place.
Ian Roberts, UK Managing Director of Granicus, said:“ Our new research has shined a light on the current state of digital services across the public sector, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for growth. From conversations with our customers, we know there’ s been a real shift to digitising services and improving frontline engagement with citizens and their communities over the past 12 months.”
DELINEA REPORT: MAJORITY OF ORGANISATIONS HIT BY RANSOMWARE DESPITE FEWER PAYOUTS
new study by security firm Delinea reveals that 69 %
A of organisations experienced a ransomware breach in the last year, even as the proportion of victims paying ransoms declined. The research also highlights the dual role of Artificial Intelligence in escalating both cyberattacks and defensive measures, while critical security vulnerabilities remain a concern.
Over two-thirds( 69 %) of organisations globally have fallen victim to ransomware, with 27 % being hit more than once. Meanwhile, attackers are harnessing AI to automate, scale, and sharpen their operations.
Based on insights from over 1,000 IT and security leaders worldwide, the 2025 State of Ransomware Report reveals an increasingly volatile threat landscape driven by AIpowered attacks, stolen credentials, and Ransomwareas-a-Service( Raas). While only 57 % of organisations paid ransoms, down from 76 % in 2024, the frequency and impact of attacks continued to grow as threat actors turned to other tactics like extortion, with 85 % of ransomware victims threatened with exposure.
“ Ransomware has evolved into a shape-shifting, AI-enabled threat that no business can afford to underestimate,” said Art Gilliland, CEO at Delinea.“ In order to combat the sophistication of today’ s attacks, organisations must fight AI with AI and embrace proactive, identity security strategies like zero trust architecture, Privileged Access Management and continuous credential monitoring to stay ahead.” �
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