Mission-Critical Information Technology: Agencies Are Monitoring Selected Acquisitions for Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has identified 16 mission-critical IT acquisitions across federal agencies that are essential for national security, public health, and the economy. These projects, totaling $51.7 billion, come with cybersecurity and privacy risks that could lead to severe consequences if not managed properly. The report emphasizes that aging IT infrastructure, increasing cyber threats, and privacy vulnerabilities pose challenges to agencies. As digital threats evolve, federal agencies must prioritize secure and effective modernization strategies to safeguard critical systems and personal data.