UK government commits to doing more to prevent data breaches in the public sector

The government of the United Kingdom is taking additional measures to raise awareness of information security in the public sector.

Government Chief Security Officer Vincent Devine and Government Chief Technology Officer David Knott have published an outline of measures the government intends to take to raise information security standards in the public sector.

For starters, statisticians and data scientists will work with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Government Chief Data Officer to develop a “model action plan” for Security Advisors and Data Protection Officers in the event of a breach to minimize the impact of a security incident.

In addition, the government promises to strengthen its relationship with critical IT partners, starting with Microsoft, which is described as “the backbone of the government’s digital workplace.” For example, the American tech company will develop enhanced Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools to better protect sensitive data in digital workflows.

Furthermore, in the first quarter of 2026, the government will launch a new campaign to tell people of real-world consequences in case of a data breach. Also, information management professionals will be trained to help government staff members better protect sensitive data.

John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner, is delighted with the government’s plans to improve cybersecurity standards in the public sector. At the same time, the government can’t just sit back and has to proactively implement these measures.

“I’m pleased to update that the government has now set out the measures they will take to raise information security and data protection standards. This is a single step forward, but it is a crucial one. The government must now carry through on these commitments, to ensure the public can trust and be confident when sharing their personal information with the government, knowing that it will be handled responsibly and safely,” Edwards says in a statement.