Emerging Tech Ecosystems Raise Federal Cyber Security Concerns
Promising a more streamlined, user-friendly tech environment, the Internet of Things hopes to synchronize personal devices, household appliances and even public infrastructure in a manner that only science fiction has so far envisioned. But as interconnected tech systems continue to subsume more aspects of private and public life, federal agencies have begun to consider the potential negative repercussions of innovations such as the IoT. Can the government harness the power of an always-on IT grid without putting the nation's cyber security at even greater risk?
Mapping out a plan for IoT
Concerns surrounding the increasing level of Internet connectivity throughout the United States are due in large part to nebulous definitions of phenomena such as the IoT. Without a clear understanding of what the future holds for the connected tech landscape, federal leaders will likely struggle in establishing a plan capable of addressing present security issues. This is why the Department of Homeland Security recently took the matter into its own hands, according to FCW, developing a strategic plan that seeks to define the parameters of the interconnected environment with a defensive emphasis.
The federally mandated report entitled the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR), saw the release of its second iteration on June 19, comprising 103 pages of strategic content set to guide the nation's cyber course through 2018. FCW explained that a significant chunk of the report is dedicated to making sense of the newly-connected elements of the Web that did not factor into the equation at the time of the QHSR's previous release four years ago. Now that federal systems are viewed as an integrated whole rather than a series of distinct components, security protocols must be altered.
"The cyber security threat has changed dramatically" Alan Cohn, DHS assistant secretary for strategy, analysis and risk, reportedly said at a June 27 discussion of the report. "The connections between people and the use of technology to drive our daily lives has created huge opportunities. There are also an increase of threat actors and increasing vulnerabilities. Cyber security is one of the top dynamic areas that we see as a top challenge going forward.
Bracing systems for the future
While the DHS report was criticized by some parties for lacking a detailed description of a cyber attack's consequences, it included a handful of controversial topics that certainly caught the attention of federal leaders and sparked increased awareness of issues related to the nation's digital defenses. For example, a well-orchestrated attack could result in a cascade effect that ripples throughout the government's many networks, making it more difficult to stop once initiated. In addition, structures such as information fusion centers may be a vulnerable target for cyber attackers in coming years.
Because large-scale connectedness is new territory for participants in all sectors, the DHS was unable to give in-depth guidance for agencies seeking to bolster their defenses for this new age, FCW noted. However, education and awareness are critical parts of any security strategy and cannot be undervalued - the report will undoubtedly serve as a key reference point for the outlook of the IT environment.
Optimism is in the air for some
Despite the many concerns that have been raised by the growth of the IoT, some thought leaders are predicting a more hopeful future for this burgeoning trend. According to FedScoop, a Dell Software study revealed that only 25 percent of agencies leveraging IoT systems were worried about cyber security when implementing these new resources. The source pointed out that few decision-makers are focused on the speed with which these new services are being introduced, instead choosing to emphasize workforce education to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
"The Internet of Things is going to bring in different operating systems, different form factors, but the structure and the framework of protecting these things that are connected to a network, the techniques are known, the ideas and the information technology disciplines are known," said Paul Christman, vice president of public sector sales and marketing for Dell Software. "We don't see this as a huge challenge. We see this as something that needs to be done as new devices are connected into the new network, just like moving from a desktop to a laptop and a laptop to a mobile device."
A critical factor in this transition will organizations' willingness to simply take the leap and embrace the connected nature of the digital future, FedScoop explained. Dell's report mentioned that while 56 percent of federal employees claimed to be gaining familiarity with IoT-related solutions, there must be more widespread adoption in order for the technology to really gain traction in the public arena. Agencies that partner with experienced, forward-thinking tech vendors will surely be viewed as innovators and lead the way for others to follow in their footsteps.