Navigating New Cyber Rules: A Guide for Government Contractors and Agencies

Cybersecurity Challenges for Government Contractors and Agencies

The Need for Enhanced Cybersecurity Requirements

In the face of increasing cybersecurity breaches, the federal government has been taking steps to address the risks associated with the supply chain. One such measure is the proposed new Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rule, which aims to mandate contractors and service providers supporting US government agencies to meet enhanced cybersecurity requirements, similar to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program.

The current cybersecurity requirements for handling sensitive government information consist of 15 basic requirements. However, these proposed changes aim to elevate the standards and align them with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171, which is already a requirement for DoD contractors.

While the intention is to improve cyber and data security in the federal supply chain, the challenge lies in measuring and monitoring compliance with these enhanced requirements. If it follows the DoD CMMC program, there may be a combination of third-party assessments and self-reporting. The effectiveness of this approach will depend on the thoroughness and objectivity of these assessments.

Challenges Faced by Government Agencies

Beyond the challenges posed by these new compliance measures, many government agencies face their own obstacles. They often operate on legacy systems and outdated network infrastructures that may not meet modern security and compliance reporting requirements. Furthermore, the rise of remote work and the use of external networks and devices introduce additional access points that can be less secure.

The Role of Zero-Trust Networking

One aspect that is highlighted by the new requirements is the need for government agencies to adopt a zero-trust networking approach. Zero-trust networking recognizes that traditional perimeter-based security measures are no longer sufficient in today’s threat landscape. It requires continuous monitoring, detection of threats and vulnerabilities, and prompt response to emerging risks.

However, many government agencies lack the necessary resources, tools, and expertise to effectively monitor their networks in real-time and respond to threats promptly. This creates a significant gap that needs to be addressed to ensure the integrity of the entire ecosystem.

Preparing for Security and Compliance Requirements

In order to effectively prepare for security and compliance requirements, both government contractors and agencies should consider the following steps:

Prioritize All Network Devices

A common mistake is to only focus on assessing vulnerabilities at the perimeter. It is crucial to extend this assessment to all network devices, including routers and switches. Neglecting to address vulnerabilities in these devices can leave them exposed to significant risks. Zero-trust best practices emphasize the need to assess all devices to prevent lateral movement across networks.

Segment Networks

Implementing network segmentation can help mitigate the impact of a potential breach by compartmentalizing sensitive information and limiting lateral movement within the network. By segregating networks based on access levels and data classification, organizations can reduce the attack surface and minimize the impact of a breach.

Utilize Compliance Audits and Assurance Automation Tools

Regular assessments should be conducted to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and ensure compliance with network security requirements. These assessments can help identify gaps in network security controls and enable prompt remediation. Leveraging automation tools that provide exact technical fixes for misconfigurations is crucial in maintaining a proactive approach to security and compliance.

Editorial: Navigating the Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape

The proposed FAR rule, which introduces CMMC-like regulations for all contractors handling sensitive government information, underlines the increasing importance of enhanced network security and regulatory compliance in the federal supply chain. While this measure is crucial in reducing cybersecurity risks from contractors, it is equally important for government agencies to address their own challenges in meeting current security and compliance requirements.

Government contractors and agencies must take a proactive approach and stay ahead of the regulatory curve. Protecting sensitive government information should be of paramount importance, and this can be achieved by aligning cybersecurity requirements with established frameworks such as NIST. The use of automation tools for security and compliance audits and the adoption of principles supporting a zero-trust mindset are essential for contractors and agencies to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape and contribute to a safer ecosystem.

Conclusion

The current efforts by the federal government to enhance cybersecurity requirements for government contractors and agencies reflect the growing threat landscape. While the proposed changes aim to improve security in the federal supply chain, challenges remain in monitoring and measuring compliance. Government agencies, in particular, need to address their own cybersecurity challenges by upgrading legacy systems, implementing zero-trust networking principles, and leveraging automation tools for security and compliance audits.

By prioritizing network devices, segmenting networks, and utilizing compliance audits and assurance automation tools, contractors and agencies can better prepare for security and compliance requirements. Ultimately, ensuring the integrity of the entire ecosystem is critical in light of the interconnected nature of federal networks and the reliance on contractors and third-party vendors to handle government data securely.