Problems and Solutions: Cybersecurity a Key Point in the Digitalization Stage for the Romanian Public Sector

Authors: Mircea-Alexandru Lungu

Abstract

This article analyses digital challenges and opportunities. Currently, in Romania, the Public Administration is at a crossroads, as it faces ups and downs in terms of digital transformation, especially in terms of cybersecurity but also the effects on employees. There is great potential for simplifying services, reducing bureaucracy, but currently we are faced with outdated IT systems, bureaucratic bottlenecks and an unskilled workforce unprepared for technological modernization. To analyse and find solutions to these problems, this study is based on a combination of existing research and insights from 136 interviews with public sector employees as well as IT experts and decision-makers in Romania. Using NVivo to analyse the data – sorting by themes and word patterns – presented a harsh reality of the current system: Romania’s digital infrastructure is underfunded, systems rarely work well together, and cybersecurity issues are a constant concern. Bureaucracy exacerbates the problems, slowing down work even more, and many employees lack the technological skills needed to keep up. However, digitalization has massive potential to turn things around, provided it is accessible to all. This research brings a new vision of the growing complexity of digitalization in the Romanian public sector. Through an analysis of interviews and the use of NVivo, the study identifies non-religious points that influence the success of the transformation and proposes concrete strategies for stabilizing cybersecurity, increasing the skills of public sector employees, and optimizing digital public services. The findings of this study can be used as a guide for public sector leaders in developing policies and programs to develop the digital system and increase cybersecurity. Measures are proposed to increase the amounts allocated for investments in IT infrastructure, conduct employee training courses, stabilize national standards, and encourage public-private collaboration.