Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats: Key Insights and Policy Updates for Federal Agencies

By CSEngineering CyberNinjas

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month unfolds, we are reminded that cybersecurity is more than just technology—it’s about safeguarding our nation’s most vital operations and ensuring that U.S. federal agencies continue to serve the American people uninterrupted by cyber threats. Today, federal agencies face unprecedented cyberattacks, from ransomware to nation-state threats, targeting critical infrastructures and sensitive data.

Federal agencies are already making strides in the fight against cyber threats through updated guidance and regulations from key agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the Department of Defense (DOD). At Constellation Software Engineering (CSE), we’re here to help federal agencies stay compliant, resilient, and secure.

In this newsletter, we explore the latest cybersecurity threats, dive into relevant guidance from CISA, OPM, and DOD, and outline how CSE’s cybersecurity solutions can confidently help your agency navigate these challenges.

Targeted Threats and Detailed Solutions for Federal Agencies

1. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

APTs, particularly from state-sponsored actors, continue to be a significant risk to federal infrastructure, especially in light of the growing complexities of hybrid warfare and espionage.

Solution:

• Network Segmentation and Microsegmentation: Federal agencies should adopt network segmentation strategies to isolate different parts of their networks. Implementing microsegmentation can prevent lateral movement by attackers once they breach a system. This divides the network into smaller, isolated zones where security policies can be enforced, minimizing exposure(CISA)
• Continuous Monitoring and Threat Hunting: CISA encourages agencies to adopt real-time monitoring solutions like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), which helps in detecting and mitigating APTs early in their attack lifecycle(CISA)
• Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): Strong MFA should be implemented at all points of access to critical systems. This ensures that even if credentials are compromised, unauthorized access is blocked(The White House)

2. Ransomware Attacks

The threat landscape for ransomware has evolved with the rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), making it accessible even to low-skill attackers.

Solution:

• Adopt CISA's Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA): Federal agencies must fully implement Zero Trust Architecture by 2025. This architecture assumes that threats exist inside the network as well, and continuously verifies every user, device, and request within the system (CISA)
• Regular Data Backups and Immutable Storage: Create regular, air-gapped backups of critical data. These backups should be stored using immutable storage solutions, ensuring that they cannot be altered or deleted by ransomware((CISA)
• Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Federal agencies are advised to deploy EDR systems that enable them to detect and isolate ransomware before it spreads. CISA’s Cybersecurity Strategic Plan specifically recommends proactive threat hunting and real-time analysis capabilities for rapid response(CISA)(The White House)

3. Insider Threats in Hybrid Work Environments

The hybrid work model, prevalent across federal agencies, increases the risk of insider threats due to unsecured devices and networks.

Solution:

• Endpoint Encryption and Secure Access Tools: Use full-disk encryption for all employee devices and enforce virtual private network (VPN) usage for accessing internal systems. This ensures that sensitive data is protected, even if devices are compromised(CISA)
• Behavioral Analytics Tools: Deploy User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) tools that detect anomalies in user behavior. These tools use machine learning to identify abnormal access patterns, which could indicate insider threats(The White House)
• Continuous Vetting: As part of OPM's Cyber Talent Strategy, agencies should implement continuous vetting of personnel, including regular background checks, social media monitoring, and real-time alerts on any suspicious activities(CISA)

4. Supply Chain Security

Federal agencies are highly dependent on third-party vendors, which introduces significant risks through the software and hardware supply chain.

Solution:

• Third-Party Vendor Risk Management: Federal agencies should implement strict vendor vetting processes, requiring all suppliers to comply with federal security standards, including software bill of materials (SBOM) to track the components used in software development(CISA)
• Automated Threat Intelligence Sharing: CISA’s Shields Up initiative calls for automated sharing of threat intelligence among federal agencies and critical infrastructure sectors. This helps in identifying vulnerabilities in third-party services quickly(The White House)
• Regular Supply Chain Audits: Conduct regular security audits on third-party suppliers to assess compliance with federal cybersecurity standards, ensuring that potential vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited(CISA)

Key Policy and Strategy Updates from CISA, OPM, and DoD

1. CISA’s FOCAL Plan

CISA’s Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) Operational Cybersecurity Alignment (FOCAL) Plan is designed to streamline cybersecurity defenses across federal agencies. This includes:

• Standardizing enterprise cybersecurity to ensure federal agencies are aligned in their defenses.
• Establishing collaborative defense mechanisms so agencies can share threat intelligence and respond more quickly to incidents(CISA)

2. ONCD’s Cybersecurity Posture Report

ONCD’s 2024 Cybersecurity Posture Report outlines strategies to strengthen federal agencies' defenses against emerging cyber threats. The report highlights two crucial shifts:

• Rebalancing responsibility for cyber defense toward federal agencies and service providers rather than end-users.
• Realigning incentives to promote long-term resilience by prioritizing security investments. (ONCD)

3. OPM’s Cyber Talent Strategy

To address the federal cybersecurity workforce shortage, OPM has ramped efforts to attract and retain skilled cybersecurity professionals. This strategy focuses on:

• Offering competitive salaries and career development opportunities for federal employees in the cybersecurity field.
• Training existing employees through skill development programs aimed at upskilling current staff to meet cybersecurity challenges(CISA)

4. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0

In February 2024, NIST released Version 2.0 of its widely adopted Cybersecurity Framework. This new version builds on the previous iteration by expanding its scope beyond critical infrastructure to all organizations, including federal agencies. One key enhancement is adding the "Govern" function, which emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity governance and decision-making at the executive level. The new framework emphasizes supply chain security and offers tailored pathways for organizations at various cybersecurity maturity levels. Federal agencies should integrate CSF 2.0 to manage risk more effectively and align with updated national cybersecurity policies(NIST))(NIST)

5. DoD Zero Trust Implementation

The Department of Defense (DoD) has committed to implementing Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) across all defense networks by 2027. This includes:

• Continuous authentication for all users ensures that no implicit trust is granted, even within the network.
• Network microsegmentation to prevent the lateral movement of attackers and better protect sensitive defense systems(CISA)

Closing: As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, it is critical to stay informed and aligned with the guidance of ONCD, CISA, OPM, Whitehouse, and DoD. At Constellation Software Engineering, we are committed to helping federal agencies stay compliant and secure with tailored cybersecurity solutions that meet federal standards.

Stay informed, stay protected!