Navigating the Road to Zero Trust: A Three-Year Update

In May 2021, President Biden issued the Executive Order (EO) on Cybersecurity in response to a surge in cyberattacks on federal agencies and critical infrastructure. This EO was a game changer, directing federal agencies to transition from traditional castle and moat defenses to a Zero Trust architecture.

Fast forward three years, and the Zero Trust deadline is looming. So, how are agencies faring? To gain insight, we spoke with Emily Pandis, a program manager at the Defense Strategies Institute.

The Executive Order on Cybersecurity: A Shift in Approach The EO introduced significant changes, including a mandate for a Zero Trust model. This approach assumes threats could be both internal and external, requiring strict identity verification and authorization before granting access to resources. Agencies have been diligently working to implement this model, guided by frameworks from NIST, OMB, and CISA.

Challenges and Progress Legacy systems, resource constraints, and cultural adaptation have posed challenges for agencies. However, many have made substantial progress, particularly in areas like identity and access management, segmentation, and policy development. Agencies like the Navy and SEC have achieved significant milestones, despite obstacles.

Looking Ahead As the September 2024 deadline approaches, agencies must continue to monitor their security posture, identify areas for improvement, and adapt their measures to address evolving threats. Collaboration with trusted partners and ongoing training and awareness programs will be critical to success.

Join the Conversation At this year's Zero Trust Government Symposium, attendees will explore strategies for accelerating Zero Trust implementation and fostering partnerships with industry. Let's continue the journey toward a more secure future together.

Link to full article: As Zero Trust Deadline Approaches Agencies Seek Guidance to Ensure Compliance (governmenttechnologyinsider.com)

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