Balancing Efficiency and Security in Technology Transformation

Learning from the DOGE Experiment

A recent FinTech Weekly article highlights one of the most ambitious technology transformation initiatives in U.S. government history. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established in January 2025 and headed by Elon Musk, aims to modernise federal payment systems that handle over $6 trillion annually. This case is worth reading and presents valuable lessons about balancing efficiency with security in large-scale technology changes.

The Efficiency Promise vs Security Reality

Don’t get me wrong, I am one of the first people to promote the benefits of technology driven efficiency drives, but the DOGE’s initiative demonstrates both the allure and risks of rapid technological transformation:

Scale of Impact

The sheer magnitude of DOGE’s undertaking cannot be understated. The U.S. government’s payment infrastructure processes an astounding $6 trillion annually, touching virtually every aspect of American life. These transactions encompass everything from Social Security disbursements and Medicare payments to federal employee salaries and tax refunds.

The potential for modernization to generate significant taxpayer savings is compelling, particularly when considering the vast scale of these operations.

Even small efficiency improvements could translate into billions in savings, making the initiative’s promise particularly attractive to policymakers and administrators alike.

Warning Signs

However, beneath this promising surface, troubling indicators have emerged. The resignation of David Lebryk, a senior Treasury official who opposed granting system access, raised early red flags about the initiative’s approach to security and oversight.

Further concerns arose as DOGE began integrating private-sector personnel, many of whom lack traditional government experience, into sensitive positions within the federal infrastructure. The situation reached a critical point when legal challenges led to a court injunction blocking DOGE’s access to Treasury data, highlighting the serious nature of these concerns.

This sequence of events underscores the delicate balance between driving innovation and maintaining essential security protocols in government systems.

Real-World Precedents

The article references the UK’s Government Digital Service (GDS) achieving £1.7 billion in savings through digital transformation. However, this success story also emphasises the importance of measured, well-governed implementation.

The GDS was established in 2011 to lead digital transformation across the UK government. Its approach focused on creating user-centric services, improving digital skills within the civil service, and implementing robust governance frameworks. One of its notable achievements was the development of GOV.UK, a single website for all government services, which streamlined access and improved user experience.

The GDS’s success was not just about technology but also about cultural change. It promoted agile methodologies, encouraged collaboration across departments, and prioritized transparency and accountability. These efforts resulted in significant cost savings and improved service delivery, demonstrating that digital transformation can be both efficient and secure when properly managed

Security Concerns That Cannot Be Ignored

The FinTech Weekly article highlights several critical risk areas:

Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

• Previous government breaches, like the 2015 OPM incident affecting 22.1 million individuals
• Concerns about inexperienced personnel accessing sensitive systems
• Potential for unauthorized data harvesting

AI and Automation Risks

• False positives in transaction flagging
• Potential for biased outcomes in automated systems
• Impact of even small error rates on millions of monthly payments

The Project Assurance Solution

In the context of large-scale government technology transformations, such as the DOGE initiative, project assurance becomes a critical component to ensure success. Project assurance involves a set of practices designed to provide independent oversight, structured governance, and effective risk management throughout the project lifecycle. Here’s how these elements come together to support successful outcomes:

Independent Oversight

Independent oversight is essential to maintain objectivity and impartiality in project evaluations. This involves:

• Regular Risk Assessments and Stakeholder Reviews: Conducting frequent risk assessments helps identify potential issues early, allowing for timely interventions. Stakeholder reviews ensure that all parties involved are kept informed and can provide input, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Design Authority for Key Decisions: Establishing a challenge function or design authority means that critical decisions are subject to scrutiny by an independent body. This helps prevent group think and ensures that decisions are made based on comprehensive analysis and diverse perspectives.
• Balance Between Innovation and Control: While innovation is crucial for progress, it must be balanced with control mechanisms to prevent unchecked risks. Independent oversight ensures that innovative solutions are implemented responsibly, without compromising security or stability.

Structured Governance

Structured governance provides a clear framework for accountability and decision-making. This includes:

• Clear Accountability Frameworks: Defining roles and responsibilities clearly ensures that everyone knows what is expected of them. This reduces ambiguity and enhances accountability, making it easier to track progress and address issues.
• Appropriate Security Protocols: Implementing robust security protocols is non-negotiable in government projects. These protocols protect sensitive data and systems from unauthorised access and cyber threats, maintaining the integrity of the project.
• Stakeholder Communication Channels: Effective communication channels are vital for keeping stakeholders informed and engaged. Regular updates and transparent communication help build trust and ensure that everyone is aligned with the project’s goals and progress.

Risk Management

Effective risk management involves proactive identification and mitigation of potential risks. This includes:

• Early Identification of Potential Issues: By identifying risks early, project teams can develop mitigation strategies before issues escalate. This proactive approach helps prevent disruptions and keeps the project on track.
• Mitigation Strategies for Technical and Operational Risks: Developing and implementing mitigation strategies for both technical and operational risks ensures that the project can adapt to challenges. This might involve contingency planning, resource allocation, and process adjustments.
• Regular Review and Adjustment of Controls: Continuous monitoring and adjustment of controls are necessary to respond to evolving risks. Regular reviews help ensure that controls remain effective and relevant, allowing the project to adapt to changing circumstances.

Learning from DOGE

The ongoing DOGE experiment demonstrates that while efficiency gains are important, they must be pursued within a framework that protects security and maintains public trust. The temporary restraining order issued against DOGE’s access to Treasury systems serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when governance and security considerations take a back seat to efficiency.

Project assurance plays a vital role in preventing such situations by:

• Ensuring Appropriate Controls Are in Place from the Start: Establishing controls early in the project lifecycle helps set a strong foundation for security and governance. This proactive approach minimizes risks and ensures that the project is built on solid ground.
• Maintaining Independence from Delivery Pressures: Independent project assurance teams are not influenced by delivery pressures, allowing them to provide unbiased assessments. This independence is crucial for identifying and addressing issues that might be overlooked by those directly involved in the project.
• Providing Objective Assessment of Risks and Controls: Objective assessments help ensure that risks are accurately identified and that controls are effective. This impartial evaluation supports informed decision-making and enhances the project’s overall resilience.
• Balancing Stakeholder Interests Throughout the Project Lifecycle: Balancing the interests of various stakeholders is essential for maintaining support and trust. Project assurance teams facilitate this balance by ensuring that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in the best interest of the project as a whole.

The Way Forward

As organisations pursue digital transformation, the DOGE case reminds us that success requires more than just technical expertise. It demands careful orchestration of efficiency improvements with robust security measures, stakeholder management, and appropriate governance frameworks.

Through professional project assurance, organizations can achieve their transformation goals while maintaining security and stakeholder confidence. This balanced approach helps ensure that efficiency gains don’t come at the cost of increased risk or compromised security.

Over the coming months and years it will be interesting to see if the pendulum starts to swing back within DOGE and the enthusiasm and early action is tempered with some well-thought controls and, dare I say, common sense!

Paul Every
Assurify Consulting, Jersey