State IT modernization mainly hindered by cybersecurity

State IT modernization efforts have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic for 84% of IT officials across 38 states, but cybersecurity has been named as the primary hindrance to such initiatives, reports StateScoop. Modernization of state IT systems have also been hampered by a shortfall of qualified personnel, which has been cited by 97% of states, a report from the National Association of State Technology Directors revealed. Nearly 44% of state IT systems on average still need replacing, showed the report. The findings indicate the continued process of advancing IT systems, according to NASTD Research Committee Chair and Iowa Communications Network Strategic Project Manager Victoria Wallis. "As soon as the current legacy items are addressed, new ones will take their place in the priority list. What is most surprising is the multitude of differing issues, as well as priorities and strategies, being utilized by government to address their specific IT modernization challenges," Wallis added.