67% of Federal Government Agencies Feel Prepared to Meet Zero Trust Executive Order Deadline

Solving Cybersecurity Challenges: Are Federal Agencies Ready for Zero Trust?

Introduction

Boulder-based cybersecurity company Swimlane recently released a report titled “Security Automation: A Strategic Imperative for Federal Agencies,” based on research conducted by Dimensional Research. The report sheds light on the readiness of U.S. federal agencies to meet the Zero Trust requirements laid out by the Biden Administration’s Memorandum M-22-09. It also explores the tools and strategies these agencies are leveraging to overcome the challenges associated with implementing a robust Zero Trust architecture. This report comes at a crucial time when cybersecurity threats are increasingly prevalent and the public sector is striving to protect national interests and the public’s trust.

The Significance of Zero Trust

The Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity has gained significant traction in recent years as a response to the growing complexity of cyber threats. Zero Trust is a security framework that operates on the principle of “trust no one” and requires continuous authentication and authorization for all users and devices attempting to access an organization’s resources. The Biden Administration’s Memorandum M-22-09 has made it clear that federal agencies must adopt Zero Trust architecture to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Confidence in Meeting Zero Trust Requirements

The Swimlane report reveals that 67% of federal agencies are confident or very confident about their preparedness to meet the requirements of the Zero Trust executive order within the stipulated timeframe. These requirements include the deployment of Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) technology. SOAR tools are crucial in enabling security teams to automate response processes and actions, leading to improved efficiency and reduced manual work.

The Role of Low-Code Security Automation

To meet the challenges of adopting Zero Trust architecture, federal agencies are turning to low-code security automation. The report indicates that 64% of agencies are opting for this approach. Low-code automation platforms offer several benefits to federal agencies, including the ability to address all security automation requirements while relying less on coding skills. This is particularly advantageous for smaller security teams that may lack the necessary expertise to implement a traditional SOAR solution.

Grapple with Security Team Vacancies

One of the significant hurdles federal agencies face in implementing Zero Trust architecture is the shortage of skilled security personnel. According to the report, 83% of federal agencies have open security team positions. Moreover, 64% of agencies say it takes longer to fill these positions now compared to two years ago. This shortage of skilled professionals poses a challenge to fully staff security teams and meet the increasing demands of evolving mandates.

The Importance of Optimal Technology

To address these staffing challenges and the complexity of cybersecurity threats, federal agencies are increasingly relying on optimal technology solutions. Swimlane’s report highlights how low-code security automation platforms offer federal agencies the ability to bridge the gap in security expertise by providing automation capabilities that alleviate the burden on manual processes and limited resources. However, federal agencies caution that no-code automation tools may offer short-term solutions but lack the necessary features to support cloud or hybrid environments and provide critical reporting and case management capabilities.

Looking Beyond Talent Alone

Cody Cornell, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Swimlane, emphasizes the importance of the right security tools in helping federal agencies overcome the volume of security alerts and evolving cybersecurity challenges they face. He points out that talent alone won’t suffice, and federal agencies must invest in technology solutions that enable their security teams to effectively respond to threats and safeguard national interests.

Expert Opinion and Recommendations

Security professionals and executives at U.S. federal agencies participated in the survey conducted by Dimensional Research. Their input highlights the urgent need for federal agencies to address cybersecurity challenges through the adoption of low-code security automation platforms. This technology can empower security teams to streamline their operations, automate manual processes, and effectively respond to threats.

Federal agencies should focus on investing in robust security automation solutions that align with the principles of Zero Trust architecture and support their cloud and hybrid environments. Furthermore, they should prioritize training and development programs to enhance the skills of their existing security teams and attract qualified professionals to fill current vacancies.

It is also essential for federal agencies to understand that cybersecurity is not solely a technological issue. It requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses people, processes, and technology. Federal agencies should foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness, encourage collaboration and information sharing, and stay up to date with the latest threats and best practices. Cooperation between the public and private sectors is also crucial in combating cyber threats and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and national interests.

In conclusion, the Swimlane report serves as a wake-up call for federal agencies to prioritize security automation and the adoption of Zero Trust architecture. The challenges posed by evolving cyber threats necessitate immediate action and investment in technology solutions that empower security teams to respond swiftly and effectively. By embracing low-code security automation and fostering a culture of cybersecurity, federal agencies can enhance their cybersecurity readiness and safeguard the interests of the nation and its citizens.