ISRAEL: The digital revolution: the State Comptroller of Israel’s approach to digital transformation and cybersecurity

10.12.2024

In today’s digital era, the State Comptroller of Israel has expanded its oversight to address the complexities of modern governance. With increasing reliance on digital technologies, the need for robust information systems, effective cybersecurity, and ethical technology use is more critical than ever. Under the leadership of Mr. Matanyahu Englman, appointed in 2019, the Comptroller’s office has adopted innovative methodologies to maintain efficiency, accountability, and operational integrity across the public sector.

Specialized Departments and Professional Development

Recognizing the importance of focused oversight, the Comptroller established two dedicated departments: one specializing in digital technologies and information systems, and the other on cybersecurity and privacy protection. These departments, staffed by experts, ensure comprehensive audits that address both risks and opportunities associated with digital transformation.

To enhance expertise, the office invests in professional development programs, including Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certifications and specialized cyber audit courses. These initiatives equip auditors with cutting-edge knowledge to evaluate and strengthen public institutions’ digital infrastructures.

A Strategic Vision for Digital Oversight

The Comptroller’s strategic vision emphasizes secure, transparent, and resilient public sector systems. Recognizing that digital infrastructure underpins critical public services, the office focuses on mitigating risks, fostering innovation, and aligning with international standards. A risk-based audit approach, emphasizing real-time system monitoring and advanced vulnerability assessments, ensures adaptive oversight in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Key Areas of Focus

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Auditing Digital Technologies

The Comptroller's office has developed a comprehensive plan to audit emerging technologies, including big data, cloud computing, blockchain, quantum computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI).  Recent audits have revealed gaps in Israel’s national AI strategy, such as the absence of centralized leadership and delays in implementing strategic plans. To address these challenges, the Comptroller recommends establishing a central entity to coordinate AI efforts, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and accelerating the deployment of AI technologies in sectors like healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

Strengthening Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity remains a cornerstone of the Comptroller’s work. The office assesses national digital infrastructure, incident response protocols, and compliance with data privacy regulations to safeguard public trust and ensure resilience against emerging threats. A notable initiative includes conducting penetration tests (PT) on critical systems to identify vulnerabilities and enhance defenses. For instance, the Comptroller's office carried out penetration tests simulating cyber-attacks on the computerized systems of several audited bodies, including those in the transportation sector, health system and the Israel Prison Service. These tests, conducted in coordination with the audited bodies, revealed vulnerabilities that were subsequently addressed to improve system stability and security.

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International Collaboration

SAI Israel’s active participation in international forums, particularly the EUROSAI, underscores its leadership in digital oversight. As EUROSAI president, Mr. Englman facilitates knowledge-sharing and adopts best practices, thereby strengthening the auditing capabilities of European Supreme Audit Institutions. A significant initiative under his leadership is the ongoing parallel audit involving 11 European countries, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence in the public sector.

Future Directions

The Comptroller’s office is developing automated monitoring tools, exploring AI and machine learning for audits, and enhancing cross-agency cooperation. These efforts aim to ensure that technological advancements are accompanied by transparency, accountability, and ethical standards.

Conclusion

The State Comptroller of Israel exemplifies a progressive approach to digital oversight, combining rigorous auditing with innovative solutions to address contemporary challenges. By adapting to the complexities of the digital age, the office continues to uphold its constitutional mandate, safeguarding public trust and promoting excellence in government operations. As digital technologies redefine governance, the Comptroller’s role in ensuring both innovation and accountability remains indispensable to Israel’s public sector resilience