Checklist: How to modernize IT in government workplaces

Explore how government agencies are innovating to create modern, productive workplaces with network enhancements, improved cybersecurity and user-friendly collaboration tools.

Prioritize connectivity between branches and the field

Understand essential strategies for modernizing your agency’s network. Review your infrastructure and enhance connectivity to implement edge computing and optimize workforce collaboration.

Know your blind spots
Review all network aspects, including potential threats, for a clear IT environment view. Identify outdated components and gaps that could cause future problems, especially for integrations and upgrades. Plan incremental changes to minimize disruptions.
Evaluate bandwidth and security
Assess your current network setup to understand your bandwidth and latency status. Plan for scalability to handle increased WAN and LAN traffic. For heavy data loads across widespread branches, consider edge computing to reduce latency by processing data closer to its source. Enhance network security with advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems and encryption to protect data integrity and confidentiality.
Connect the workforce
Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs) dynamically manage network traffic, optimizing performance across locations. Evaluate bandwidth requirements for cloud applications and daily operations to support branch offices and field workers.
Boost collaboration
Cloud-based tools, such as Lumen® Solutions for Zoom for Government, offer secure voice, messaging and video collaboration from virtually anywhere. Hybrid cloud services support real-time collaboration for both office and field workers, providing smooth operations across locations. Our AI-ready network solutions provide ultra-fast, secure connectivity and AI-driven management for optimal performance and minimal latency.
Modernizing government IT
According to a recent IDC survey, an average of 67% of government leaders identified digital transformation as an overall IT goal.1

Fortify your infrastructure

Explore essential cybersecurity strategies for fortifying your agency's network and navigating government compliance standards. Integrating Lumen AI-ready network solutions can significantly enhance these strategies, providing advanced security and operational efficiency.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Assess your security posture to identify vulnerabilities. Define strict access policies with continuous authentication and authorization. Implement ZTNA solutions that integrate with your infrastructure and continuously monitor and adjust policies to tackle evolving threats. Lumen® Managed Zero Trust Network Access leverages AI for real-time monitoring and authentication, helping to ensure only authorized entities access critical data and applications and enhancing security by adapting to new threats.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

EDR is your agency’s vigilant security team, constantly monitoring devices for suspicious activity. It quickly detects and responds to threats, preventing breaches and helping to ensure smooth operations. For public sector agencies, EDR is crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining uninterrupted services. Lumen® Managed Endpoint Detection and Response Service uses AI and machine learning to analyze data, identify patterns and detect anomalies, enabling rapid response and mitigation of potential breaches.

Data compliance
FedRAMP, NIST and FISMA standards, among others, mandate that organizations secure sensitive data. Compliance helps to mitigate risks, ensure data integrity and maintain public trust. Lumen cybersecurity solutions help agencies meet these standards with advanced threat detection, AI-driven monitoring and continuous system updates.

Partner with the experts

Bridging IT skills gaps and training staff on new tools are vital for effective modernization. Partnering with a managed services provider for deployment, monitoring and management can boost internal team support and improve operational efficiency.


As a trusted technology and cybersecurity partner to the U.S. Department of Defense, USDA, DISA and other government agencies, our skilled team of IT professionals can help modernize and secure your organization.

Managed and professional services
According to a recent IDC survey, government leaders are prioritizing using managed and professional services to handle implementation and operational management.1

“At Lumen, our top priority is to be the go-to partner for public sector agencies. We achieve this by focusing on simplification and efficiency. In a world of increasing complexity, simplifying the path to mission success is crucial for our joint success with government customers.”

– Josh Finke, SVP of Public Sector, Lumen

Create a modern workplace. Achieve your mission.

By following the steps outlined in this checklist, you can confidently navigate modernizing your agency and create a secure, productive work environment. With efficiency-boosting networking and collaboration tools and enhanced security measures, Lumen empowers you to deliver on your mission seamlessly. 

Ready to transform your agency? Contact us today.

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1IDC, Resource Map for Lumen, sponsored by Lumen, Doc #US52124324, May 2024.