Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
Want to know what the most brilliant minds in government and the technology industry are working on behind the scenes? The federal government is pouring thousands of man-hours and billions of dollars into cutting edge projects for the military, civilian agencies and the intelligence community. Get a front row seat to all of that innovation and more with our Feds at the Edge (FATE) podcast. Each episode of FATE features public and private officials who are changing the world with cutting edge technology. No topic is off limits or too technical for our guests to handle. Learn the inner workings of federal projects involving intelligence gathering, emergency management, modernization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, communications, encryption, cloud computing, robotics and much more. Don’t let FATE pass you by. Discover this exciting new podcast today!
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Ep. 197 Secure By Design: Driving Government Modernization Through Secure Development Practices
04/23/2025
Ep. 197 Secure By Design: Driving Government Modernization Through Secure Development Practices
“Shift Left” is a popular phrase in software development used to represent the idea of prioritizing certain tasks earlier in the life cycle process to avoid or easily identify potential problems before it moves on. This week on Feds At The Edge, we ask the question – What does it take and what does it really mean to “shift left.” Our expert guests share practical insights on tackling the complex realities of modern software design and deployment. Amit Madan, Chief Architect, Center for Enterprise Modernization at Mitre, recommends preparing for potential gaps when integrating legacy systems with modern, cloud-based solutions—and ensuring clear delineation of security responsibilities between agencies and cloud providers. Eoghan Casey, Field CTO for Own, offers a compelling take on risk: sometimes, staying put poses more danger than moving forward. He highlights the need for early collaboration with security professionals and stresses the value of cross-agency knowledge sharing to foster a culture of security grounded in risk management and compliance. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform today to learn how federal teams are embedding security into every step of the software lifecycle—right from the start.
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Ep. 196 Accelerating Cloud Migration for Agencies
04/16/2025
Ep. 196 Accelerating Cloud Migration for Agencies
As federal agencies move toward greater efficiency, cloud adoption is making the transition from optional to essential. But Federal leaders know not every system is a good candidate. This week on Feds At The Edge, our expert guests share what agencies will need to know in order to identify which of their systems can move to the cloud and which systems are best suited to remain on-prem. David Updike, CTO and Director for the Office of Digital Services & Technology Architecture at EPA, explains how cost frameworks reveal trade-offs between flexibility and savings, and the importance of AI in forecasting scalability. India Baboola, Chief, Systems Engineering Division, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) for ICE, emphasizes that even the smoothest cloud transitions face a major hurdle: keeping databases synchronized and data validated throughout migration. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform today to hear practical insights on how AI, machine learning, and cloud-native apps are shaping the next wave of federal cloud strategy.
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Ep. 195 Creating a Zero Trust Ecosystem
04/09/2025
Ep. 195 Creating a Zero Trust Ecosystem
Zero Trust is more than a technology shift, it’s a cultural one. This week on Feds At The Edge, our expert guests explore how agencies can successfully implement Zero Trust by focusing on people, leveraging AI, and understanding risk at every level. With over 600,000 employees and 1,000 applications, the USPS faced a massive challenge. Heather Dyer, VP & Chief Information Security Officer for the USPS, shares how clear communication, continuous monitoring, and behavioral insights were key to driving adoption. Joined by Prem Jadhwani, CTO at Government Acquisitions Inc, the discussion dives into understanding risk, managing access to critical assets, and integrating Zero Trust with cloud environments and external partners. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform today to hear practical insights and proven strategies to tackle Zero Trust in a complex environment.
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Ep. 194 Bringing Together Cloud Flexibility & AI Power
04/03/2025
Ep. 194 Bringing Together Cloud Flexibility & AI Power
The cloud offers incredible potential, are you making the most of it? This week on Feds At The Edge, our expert guests explore three key strategies for utilizing AI to optimize potential, lighten workloads and ensure security in the hybrid and cloud work landscape. >> AI for Smarter Cloud Management: Kevin Walsh, Director, Information Technology and Cybersecurity Team at GAO, suggests turning your focus on what we’ve learned from past use cases, especially for those who are overwhelmed with the idea of where to even begin their integration journey. >> AI-Powered Training for Cloud Optimization: Sam O'Daniel, President & CEO for TVAR Solutions, proposes if AI can generate summaries, why not use it to create dynamic, continuously updated training materials for cloud optimization? >> Balancing Cost and Performance: Noell Rebelez, Cloud Services Program Manager at the Department of Labor, highlights the importance of cost analysis - especially around GPU expenses - to ensure cloud investments align with your agency’s mission. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform today as we take a step back in this rapidly changing federal tech landscape and explore actionable insights to help you maximize AI and cloud potential. d.
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Ep. 193 Adding System Observability to Monitoring for a Holistic View
03/26/2025
Ep. 193 Adding System Observability to Monitoring for a Holistic View
Digital transformation has been a federal buzzword for years, but what’s the first step in making it a reality? It all starts with knowing what’s on your network and being able to monitor it before and during a transition. This week on Feds At the Edge, our expert guests take a deep dive into the future of network monitoring and digital transformation. Tom Gilmore, Enterprise Data Architect in the USMC, drops a staggering statistic: in just 2.5 years, over 15,000 applications were built and deployed across the Marine Corps—many of which are likely duplicates. This explosion of tools raises the question: how do we manage this sprawl effectively? Joshua Stageberg, Vice President of Product at SolarWind, dives into the exponential growth of network monitoring tools, cautioning against "tool sprawl" and the siloed observability it creates. Instead, he advocates for a unified, single-pane view as the key to true modernization, offering not just insights into apps and data, but a roadmap for optimizing computing and operational efficiency. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform today for valuable lessons on collaborating with operations teams, addressing their pain points, and using observability to drive more effective and efficient digital transformation.
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Ep. 192 AI promises to Unlock Research Potential to Solve Big Changes
03/19/2025
Ep. 192 AI promises to Unlock Research Potential to Solve Big Changes
Everyone is trying to unlock Artificial Intelligence's promise. We have seen generative AI tricks that can summarize long documents in a flash, which is substantially different from the requirements of serious federal research. Today, we examined some challenges scientific communities experience in applying AI. Quentin Kerilman from the PNN labs throws some icy water on AI enthusiasts when he cautions that using AI for many sensitive applications has no framework. Leaders must use their best judgment when including data sets in projects. Ramesh Menon from the DIA warns that careful data collection must still be used. For example, one must use fair, unbiased data. Is the AI appropriately documented? Further, a scientist will always need multiple data modalities. When used in AI, it needs to be appropriately tagged. Medical data has much theoretical value from AI. But this is the exact data that has double and triple protection. What about leaks and backdoors? Despite all the challenges presented, transparency, human oversight, and collaboration were emphasized to ensure AI's practical and responsible use.
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Ep. 191 Transforming Public Sector Leadership with Data-Driven Decisions
03/10/2025
Ep. 191 Transforming Public Sector Leadership with Data-Driven Decisions
When the Federal Chief Data Officer (CDO) role was first introduced, simply knowing where data was stored and how to secure it was a major accomplishment. Today, CDOs are expected to be strategic leaders, driving data-driven decision-making across federal agencies. But how can they successfully make this transition? This week on Feds At the Edge, our expert guests provide a roadmap for CDOs looking to expand their influence. Arjuna Rivera, Senior Solutions Engineer at Atlassian, kicks off the discussion by outlining seven key considerations for obtaining actionable, high-quality data—emphasizing the importance of clean, unbiased data, capacity management, and data mining. He also highlights the power of visualization and predictive modeling in uncovering critical insights. Jiashen You, CDO for U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, then takes the conversation further, exploring how CDOs can collaborate across agencies to foster a data-driven culture. He shares insights on working closely with Chief AI Officers and introduces the Business of Data Working Group—a vital initiative helping federal data leaders tackle shared challenges and implement effective solutions. Join us for an insightful conversation on the evolving role of CDOs and the strategies they need to lead with impact.
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Ep. 190 The Future of 5G Technology
03/05/2025
Ep. 190 The Future of 5G Technology
Despite the official launch of 5G networks in 2018, their full potential for federal applications has yet to be realized. This week on Feds At the Edge, we explore the value of a mature 5G network and the groundbreaking possibilities of its next evolution. Sal D'Itri, Chairman of National Spectrum Consortium, introduces the concept of a “network in a box,” an on-demand, scalable solution that enables rapid adaptation to changing workloads. Steve Vogelsang, CTO Federal at Nokia Federal Solutions, discusses the need for better device ecosystems, the potential for 5G in emergency services, and the importance of interoperability and resilience in large, geographically dispersed networks. One of the most exciting discussions revolves around Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)—a game-changing application that leverages satellite connectivity to provide emergency communications in remote areas. Andy Greig, President, North America for Druid Software, sheds light on why, despite seven years of development, the device ecosystem still struggles to fully capitalize on 5G’s potential. Finally, our panelists offer insights into the future of 6G, the next step in high-speed, flexible communications. Tune in now on your favorite podcasting platform as we uncover the challenges, innovations, and future possibilities of 5G and beyond! of 5G.
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Ep. 189 Bringing Automation to Cloud Risk Management
02/25/2025
Ep. 189 Bringing Automation to Cloud Risk Management
With cyberthreats on constant rise, Federal Leaders consider what role automation can play in managing cloud involvement and best practices to ensure their commitment to securing the nation’s data. This week on Feds At the Edge, we explore the role of AI, governance, and collaboration in strengthening security and improving capabilities and data security. Joseph Ronzio, Deputy Chief Health Technology Officer, Veterans Health Administration, talks about the risks of blind patching and the benefits of a hybrid approach—combining automation with manual oversight. Brian "Stretch" Meyer, Sr. Director of Engineering, Axonius Federal, sheds light on compliance challenges, the importance of visibility and control in cloud security, and the disconnect between regulations and engineering teams. Tune in now on your favorite podcasting platform for actionable insights on modernizing federal cloud security.
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Ep. 188 IT Disaster Recovery is More than Rebooting Systems
02/20/2025
Ep. 188 IT Disaster Recovery is More than Rebooting Systems
Despite federal mandates requiring every agency to have a disaster recovery plan, 6% of the federal government still lacks one entirely. This week on Feds At the Edge, we explore proven strategies for building effective backup plans and provide timely advice for organizations with basic or intermediary recovery plans looking to enhance their preparedness. We’ll focus on the key pillars of disaster recovery- planning, communication, and continuous updates. Tommy Baril, Assistant Director, Defense Capabilities and Management Team, for GAO, highlights the need for synchronized disaster recovery plans across federal agencies, stressing strategic communication and role clarity. Kashif Ansari, Senior Director of Sales Engineering, Commvault, discusses the role of AI in accelerating system recovery, helping identify compromised segments faster than human intervention. Tune in now on your favorite podcasting platform to uncover the critical distinction between IT disaster recovery and cyber resilience, and gain actionable insights to strengthen your organization’s readiness.
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Ep. 187 Using Security Intelligence to Protect Healthcare IT
02/12/2025
Ep. 187 Using Security Intelligence to Protect Healthcare IT
While the ability to transfer records between hospitals and other medical systems offers significant benefits, it also introduces unique challenges and risk for safeguarding Healthcare IT. This week on Feds At the Edge, federal leaders examine three areas of concern: >>interoperability >>unique aspects of the attack surface >>the impact of IoT devices. Jennifer Franks, Director, Center for Enhanced Cybersecurity for GAO, highlights reports of rising cyber threats due to medical data interconnectivity and the need to secure legacy systems, especially since medical data remains unchanged over time. Joe Ronzio, Deputy Chief Health Technology Officer, Veterans Health Administration, shares the difficulties of managing medical device inventories across 170+ hospitals and highlights how upgrading encryption systems, like FIPS 140, can introduce vulnerabilities. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform now to learn about how healthcare organizations can navigate these challenges and strengthen their cybersecurity posture. \
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Ep. 186 Improving Management of Complex Cloud Environments
02/06/2025
Ep. 186 Improving Management of Complex Cloud Environments
When the cloud was first introduced to the Federal Government, their implementation had a “lift and shift” approach, essentially moving servers from one location to another. But cloud technology has matured into a complex ecosystem spanning public, private, and hybrid environments – creating distinct management challenges. This week on Feds At the Edge, federal leaders offer their suggestions on managing this ever-evolving and complex landscape, with a focus on training, understanding data and leveraging cloud functions. Dr. Gregg Bailey, Deputy Chief Information Officer in the Office of the CIO for the US Census Bureau underscores the importance of recognizing data management in a hybrid cloud is different, and suggests training on native cloud functions to leverage the new technologies may be a path of success. Kristin Ruiz, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Deputy CIO for TSA, keeps us focused on security implementation with zero trust principles and strong data governance. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform now to hear what they have to say, and how with the proper security controls, AI has the potential to enable improved management of these complex cloud environments.
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Ep. 185 Dedicating Cybersecurity Resources to Critical Infrastructure
01/30/2025
Ep. 185 Dedicating Cybersecurity Resources to Critical Infrastructure
Protecting operational technology (OT) environments is more complex than ever, requiring precise inventory, continuous monitoring, and strong IT-OT collaboration. This week on Feds At the Edge, our expert panel unpacks the key cybersecurity challenges operators face in securing their OT systems. Anthony J. DiPietro, Technical Director, Defense Critical Infrastructure Division for NSA, underscores the importance of maintaining an accurate inventory, especially in remote environments where “ghost” assets can appear unnoticed. We’ll discuss how continuous monitoring helps mitigate these risks and why traditional IT security methods, like sandboxes and automatic updates, don’t always work for OT systems. We also explore the evolving role of AI and Machine learning in OT security, workforce development, and the ever-growing threats posed by interconnected IoT and OT networks. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform for expert insights on fortifying OT environments against emerging cyber threats.
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Ep. 184 Accelerating AI Adoption with Trusted Data
01/23/2025
Ep. 184 Accelerating AI Adoption with Trusted Data
Here is our final. Playing on the drama a bit. In healthcare, every second counts, and Artificial Intelligence is transforming how data is analyzed to save lives. But when critical decisions hinge on AI, ethics, accountability, and trust become non-negotiable. This week on Feds At the Edge, dive into the complexities for applying AI in healthcare. Joe Ronzio, Deputy Chief Health Technology Officer for Veterans Health Administration, shares insights on the importance of rigorous human oversight, traceable training data, and recognizing bias in AI systems. We also tackle the tough questions: >> How do we secure medical data? >> What role does encryption and governance play? Don’t miss this compelling conversation.
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Ep. 183 Building a Future Ready High-Performance Government Workforce
01/16/2025
Ep. 183 Building a Future Ready High-Performance Government Workforce
In an era marked by economic uncertainty, political shifts, and the rise of remote work, federal agencies face new challenges in maintaining a thriving workforce. Balancing productivity with employee well-being is no longer optional—it’s essential. This week on Feds At the Edge, we dive into how federal leaders can create scalable, personalized, and sustainable strategies to support their teams’ growth and mental health. Our guest, Matisha Montgomery, Chief Learning Officer at HUD, shares groundbreaking insights on career development. She challenges the traditional “climbing the ladder” mindset, encouraging professionals to leverage transferable skills for lateral moves that lead to long-term success. We also explore the importance of durable skills—adaptability, empathy, and leadership—that are critical in today’s workforce. Hear why it’s time to rethink conventional leadership methods and embrace new approaches to foster a resilient, connected, and effective team. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform for actionable insights from our experts, and discover how federal leaders can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.
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Ep. 182 CDM Success Stories in an Age of Cyber-attack Surface Expansion
01/08/2025
Ep. 182 CDM Success Stories in an Age of Cyber-attack Surface Expansion
This week on Feds At the Edge, we dive into the evolution of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency's Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program in addressing the growing cyber-attack surface. Hemant Baidwan, CISO for DHS, OCIO, noted that Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation is a comprehensive suite of tools and policies, with a key focus on understanding the attack surface and ensuring high data quality during deployment. John Schneider, Senior Systems Engineer, Axonius Federal, discussed the challenges inherent in managing IoT and OT devices for federal agencies, stressing interoperability and automation as best practices. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform as we discuss the critical role of partnerships and inter-agency collaboration to enhance cybersecurity postures. = = =
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Ep. 181 Boosting Data Security and Cyber Resilience in Federal Health IT
01/02/2025
Ep. 181 Boosting Data Security and Cyber Resilience in Federal Health IT
The U.S. healthcare system, which includes roughly 200 federal hospitals, are constantly at risk for or under cyber-attack. This week on Feds-At-The Edge we explore ways to improve security through basic controls like software updates and patching, with the conversation quickly turning to the importance of practical strategy. >> Developing a good data inventory: Full of IoT devices? Learn what to include for your expanded attack surface >> Human Interaction: Learn the critical role humans play amid the new promises of AI >> Contingency Plans: If your agency was attacked today with ransomware, would you be able to identify your critical data?
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Ep. 180 Automation as a Cybersecurity Resource
12/18/2024
Ep. 180 Automation as a Cybersecurity Resource
Managing vast amounts of data, reducing alert fatigue, and improving threat detection can all be accomplished with automation. This week on Feds At the Edge, we have three experts in automating cybersecurity response to provide guidance on best practices to deploy automation. They highlighted the need to establish a valid baseline for expected network behavior to identify deviations effectively, reducing false positives. Bob Costello, CIO at CISA, stressed keeping humans involved in the process, citing a recent incident where AI breached an organization, bypassed security features by defeating automation. Richard LaTulip, Field Chief Information Security Officer, Recorded Future, addressed resistance to AI in cybersecurity, warning that the overwhelming volume of attacks makes proper automation essential for staying competitive. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform as we discuss how automation is essential but must be applied with caution and human oversight to ensure robust defense mechanisms.
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Ep. 179 How to Defend your Expanding Attack Surface
12/12/2024
Ep. 179 How to Defend your Expanding Attack Surface
SaaS (Software as a Service) applications, due to their ease of launch and proliferation, have created a “perfect storm” for attackers, and a significant challenge for cybersecurity professionals. Organizations with over 1,000 employees typically use 150+ SaaS applications, often unmanaged, which expands the attack surface and poses a unique threat to entities like the federal government. This week on Feds At the Edge, we discuss where the threats may lie and give practical information on attempting to control this new threat vector. Mark Canter, CISO at US GAO, highlights the widespread lack of understanding about where data is used, emphasizing the importance of good data management practices. AI can play a pivotal role in systematically addressing this issue. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform as we explore why organizations should maintain accurate inventories of SaaS applications, identifying and managing shadow SaaS apps, and implementing robust governance practices to secure and optimize their SaaS ecosystems.
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Ep. 178 Protecting Critical Infrastructure
12/04/2024
Ep. 178 Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Malicious actors are always looking for the “Easy Button” when it comes to breaching your system. This week on Feds At the Edge, we are revisiting our conversation on looking at the protection of Operational Technology (OT), critical hardware on premises. Traditionally separated from IT systems by air gaps, OT is now increasingly managed by IT departments due to the convergence of IT and OT. Few realize that OT has federal compliance regulations, just like IT. The real issue, should an OT systems administrator have to do repetitive work to comply with IT mandates? Marty Edwards, Deputy CTO, OT/IoT from Tenable, noted that he has seen up to 80% similarity between IT and OT compliance standards, prompting efforts to reduce redundancy.
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Ep. 177 Part Two: Considering AI as a Strategic Tool
11/26/2024
Ep. 177 Part Two: Considering AI as a Strategic Tool
This week on Feds-At-The Edge we explore AI used as a strategic tool, focused on risk mitigation, applications, and continuous user feedback. >> Risk Mitigation: Risks vary by application. Luke Keller, Chief Innovation Officer at US Census bureau, highlighted using NIST guidelines, including bias reduction frameworks, to ensure ethical and accurate AI deployment. High-quality, diverse datasets are essential. >> Use Cases: Start small with proofs of concept to test limitations and risks. Ryan Simpson, Engineering Chief Technologist for the Public Sector for NVIDIA, recommended tools like Retrieval-Augmented Generation to develop use cases which work with limited data and are easy to evaluate. Early wins can allay some fears and can build confidence. >> User Feedback: Gathering user input during small test cases is crucial for refining and finding practical applications of AI in federal settings. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform as we explore strategic, iterative approaches that foster safe and effective AI implementation. ns.
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Ep. 176 Part One: Considering AI as a Strategic Tool
11/20/2024
Ep. 176 Part One: Considering AI as a Strategic Tool
AI is just another tool in the technology market, only becoming a powerful resource when agencies learn how to best utilize it to reach mission goals. This week on Feds-At-The Edge we explore several insights on deploying AI effectively for the federal government landscape. Caroline Carusone, Deputy CIO for NRC, discusses AI’s potential in identifying security risks and solving complex engineering challenges, like improving atomic reactor designs. Luke Keller, Chief Innovation Officer at the US Census Bureau, explains AI's role in handling massive datasets, enhancing earth observation for accurate population counting, automating data ingestion, and metadata classification. And Kurt Steege, CTO for ThunderCat Technology, introduces the concept of "multimodal AI," which processes data in multiple formats, broadening its utility. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform as the panelists stress the importance of reliable data, experimentation to explore AI's capabilities and limits, and defining specific use cases to use AI responsibly. They emphasized a strategic, ethical, and well-managed approach to AI deployment in federal agencies.
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Ep. 175 Reprioritizing Mission Delivery and Zero Trust Security in SaaS
11/13/2024
Ep. 175 Reprioritizing Mission Delivery and Zero Trust Security in SaaS
Software as a Service (SaaS) is incredibly enticing with its ease and affordability, however despite the heavy lifting being done for you, the responsibility of protecting your data and network remains in your hands. This week on Feds-At-The Edge we sit down with Eoghan Casey, VP of Cybersecurity Strategy & Product Development for Own Company, who highlights essential security practices for agencies using Software as a Service (SaaS). >> Understanding data visibility- What's sensitive and what’s not >> The importance of continuous monitoring and backing up your systems on a regular basis >> Scheduling regular tests to ensure you know how long it will take you to identify, mitigate, and recover from attack. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform today to get the inside scoop from Eoghan, including his thoughts on where AI and machine learning have a role in your SaaS environment.
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Ep. 174 How to Succeed with Zero Trust and AI, Look to Cultural Change
11/07/2024
Ep. 174 How to Succeed with Zero Trust and AI, Look to Cultural Change
If you’ve tuned before then you’ve heard the three magic words; People, process, technology. While technology often takes the spotlight, there’s a reason why “people” come first. This week on Feds-At-The Edge we explore the cultural shifts agencies are prioritizing to achieve zero trust. Jothi Dugar, CISO at NIH’s Center for Information Technology emphasizes the age-old advice, communication is key. Federal leaders should speak a language all stakeholders understand, and responsibility should be placed in the hands of the many and not the hands of the select few. We’ll also explore the benefits of collaborative group environments where everyone contributes to change. Matthew Posid, a Principal & CSO with KPMG shares how real-world zero trust examples can help technical leaders buy-in. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform to hear more about the importance of continuous learning, experimentation, and collaboration to navigate these complexities.
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Ep. 173 Using Micro segmentation to ease the Weight of Compliance
10/31/2024
Ep. 173 Using Micro segmentation to ease the Weight of Compliance
In today’s data-driven world, network systems are under immense pressure to handle increasing loads of data while staying compliant in a rapidly evolving landscape. How can agencies effectively secure their systems when every little nook and cranny requires oversight? This week on Feds-At-The Edge we explore how microsegmentation is emerging as a vital strategy for agencies working toward a robust zero-trust architecture. Rob Thorne, CISO of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, highlights how complex systems often have hidden connections unknown to administrators, which micro-segmentation can reveal. We will also dive into how machine learning and AI can be utilized to identify exactly what is on your network so you can ensure end-to-end security.
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Ep. 172 DoD Embracing Continuous Monitoring
10/23/2024
Ep. 172 DoD Embracing Continuous Monitoring
The concept of "continuous" protection, inspired by continuous software development, is gaining traction among federal tech leaders in response to rising cyber-attacks. This week on Feds At the Edge, we sit down with subject matter experts who provide guidance for transitioning from the basic “Authority to Operate” snapshot in time to a “Continuous Authority to Operate.” Col Bryan A Eovito, Commanding Officer, for the Marine Corps Cyber Operations Group, emphasized the value of establishing a baseline for comparison to detect discrepancies, warning that low-code/no-code solutions have vulnerabilities too. Major Ben Hunter, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for US Army Software Factory, explained that reaching ATO first allows for transitioning to Continuous ATO, with success measured by how quickly security patches can be applied and systems recovered. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform as our experts talk about the importance of good partnership between public & private sectors to take advantage of a wide range of solutions. = =
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Ep. 171 Focus on Cyber Resiliency
10/17/2024
Ep. 171 Focus on Cyber Resiliency
Your agency will be attacked. Even if we look at the most conservative estimates, a company like shows 32,211 attacks on federal agencies in 2023. The conclusion is obvious: you will be attacked and must have a way to remediate the problem. Today, we sat down with three experienced cyber professionals to hear suggestions on improving federal cyber security resilience. Russel Marsh from the National Nuclear Security Administration observes that federal employees may work 9 am to 5 pm every day, but malicious actors do not. The best practice here is to have a checklist of what to do in an “off-hour” emergency. As part of a resilience strategy, focus on device and asset attribution, as well as the ability to discard certain devices. Conduct tabletop exercises and simulations to assess incident response and communication processes. Flexera’s Dylan Hudak has seen federal systems with unsupported applications still on them. Visibility and proper software lifecycle policy can remedy easy problems like this.
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Ep. 170 Election Security: Protecting the Foundation of Democracy
10/10/2024
Ep. 170 Election Security: Protecting the Foundation of Democracy
This week on Feds At the Edge, sit down with an industry expert and state election officials from Pennsylvania, Florida, and Georgia to focus on election security challenges and solutions. Challenges: >> Traditional threats like disinformation and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks continue to be significant. There is also a growing concern about the physical threats faced by election officials, leading to high turnover rates. In Pennsylvania, 2/3 of officials have left their positions, resulting in an influx of new, less experienced staff. Solutions: >> Tabletop exercises are an easy and cost-effective method to prepare for potential issues. They are able to clarify procedures for responding to unexpected attacks and who to contact. The Help America Vote Act offers funding to improve election security, and testing systems while maintaining cybersecurity is essential. Resources from NIST and CIST provide valuable, targeted guidance to support election officials. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform as our experts discuss the importance of practical training, funding, and cybersecurity in securing elections. = =
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Ep. 169 How Digital Playbooks Propel Federal Modernization
10/01/2024
Ep. 169 How Digital Playbooks Propel Federal Modernization
In a world of rapid change and threat, organizations need to be ready and waiting with a plan. One good approach some are taking to navigate an ever-evolving landscape is to lean on a “digital playbook.” Customized to each situation and the unique and individual needs agencies big and small have, these playbooks could make the difference between a scramble and a smooth transition. This week on Feds At the Edge, leaders from the Federal and commercial sectors discuss the integration of digital playbooks in federal modernization, emphasizing the blend of people, processes, and technology. AI is an essential part of a digital playbook, with guidelines for ethical use, bias training, and data security. Rear Adm. Christopher Bartz, Deputy CIO of DHS, talks about the AI Corps exploring ways AI can increase security and reduce system costs.
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Ep. 168 Metrics that Matter for Critical Infrastructure Cyber Resilience
09/24/2024
Ep. 168 Metrics that Matter for Critical Infrastructure Cyber Resilience
The 2021 Colonial Pipeline incident has stood in history as a prime example of the importance of cyber resilience for critical infrastructure. This week on Feds At the Edge, we delve into the call-to-action events like this have created for agencies everywhere and the resources available for even the smallest entities. Cheri Caddy, Senior Technical Advisor for Cybersecurity at the US Department of Energy, talks about resources like CISA & NIST, but suggests that private companies should also build ties with local FBI offices. Brendan Peter, VP, Global Government Affairs of SecurityScorecard, notes the importance of continuous risk assessment and evaluating the impact of policies to ensure they actually reduce cyber threats.
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