TLDR:
- Federal agencies are working to achieve zero trust cybersecurity objectives by implementing granular access controls.
- Challenges include obsolete technology and balancing security with accessibility in multi-cloud environments.
Federal agencies are striving to achieve zero trust cybersecurity objectives by implementing more granular access controls to federal resources. Federal Communications Commission CIO Allen Hill and Cisco Regional Manager of Federal Security Sales Jane Zipoli discuss challenges and advancements in this endeavor in a new FedScoop interview. Hill highlights the progress made in migrating systems from data centers to the cloud, with most of FCC’s systems already transitioned. However, obstacles such as obsolete technology hinder the implementation of granular access controls essential for a zero-trust architecture. Balancing security with accessibility and ensuring interoperability across multi-cloud environments pose ongoing challenges that require meticulous planning, substantial investments, and proactive security measures.
Collaborating with industry partners is crucial in overcoming these obstacles, according to Zipoli. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging cloud technologies with AI-enabled capabilities to simplify management tasks and accelerate deployments. Embedding zero trust principles into digital transformation roadmaps, fostering a culture of security, and leveraging multi-cloud defense solutions are also key components highlighted by Hill and Zipoli to strengthen cybersecurity postures.
Overall, achieving zero trust cybersecurity objectives requires a combination of technological advancements, collaboration with industry partners, and strategic planning to address challenges such as obsolete technology and multi-cloud environments.