Category Archives: Federal Government

Understanding CMMC: A Roadmap for Federal Contractors

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The Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced new cybersecurity compliance mandates for contractors and subcontractors in the DoD’s supply chain. Private companies that process, store or transmit DoD data are now required to comply with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC.

The new mandate impacts every private company that handles Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). That’s a large group: According to the DoD’s own estimation, at least 220,000 private companies currently have access to FCI and CUI and require CMMC certification.

Because the CMMC is relatively new, some organizations may be struggling to understand their obligations. Learn more about exactly what the CMMC is and what steps organizations should take right now to be prepared for audits and remain eligible for DoD contracts.

What Is CMMC?

CMMC is the cybersecurity compliance structure used by the Department of Defense. High-profile security breaches like Solar Winds highlighted the need for rigorous data protection throughout the DoD supply chain. The DoD implements the CMMC framework to vet potential contractors and subcontractors and protect against third-party data breaches.

There are three CMMC certification levels: 1, 2 and 3. The different levels correspond to the degree of sensitive information being handled. All companies that contract with DoD need to have at least Level 1 CMMC, while companies that handle more sensitive information will need to have Level 2 or Level 3 cybersecurity compliance certifications.

Recent Changes to CMMC

The CMMC has recently undergone some amendments. An older version of the CMMC, or CMMC 1.0, was implemented in 2019. The new version, CMMC 2.0, came into effect at the end of 2024.

Contractors must now comply with CMMC 2.0, although implementation is taking place in stages. For any organization contracting with the Defense Department, the most important takeaway is that you absolutely must be CMMC compliant to continue working with the Department.

What Level of CMMC Certification Do You Need?

If your organization handles any FCI or CUI, you’ll need CMMC certification. Which level is right for you? You can’t know for certain until you apply for a contract, as there is some variation from one external contract to another.

However, you can make an educated guess about the certification you’ll need. The DoD’s Scoping and Assessment Guide also provides more detail about the standards for each level.

Level 1 CMMC

Level 1 is the most straightforward CMMC certification. It doesn’t require third-party auditing; contractors do a self-assessment to get the certification.

Level 1 is usually appropriate for contractors who handle FCI material and nothing else. FCI is unclassified Government information that isn’t publicly available. Details about Government employees or facilities, for example, might be categorized as FCI. Although the information is sensitive, it is not considered critical enough to require the extra protection of a Level 2 or Level 3 certification.

Level 2 CMMC

If your organization handles both CUI and FCI, you will probably require Level 2 CMMC certification.

In many cases, Level 2 certification is straightforward and can be achieved through a self-certification process. However, in some cases you will need to pass a third-party audit for Level 2 certification. The procedure depends on the sensitivity of the data you’ll be handling. The more sensitive the information, the more precautions the DoD puts in place to prevent a potentially disastrous security breach.

Level 3 CMMC

Level 3 CMMC is the most serious and the most difficult certification to obtain. If your organization routinely handles both CUI and FCI and also deals with material that impacts DoD operations, then you may need this certification.

Level 3 CMMC mandates stricter protections than the other two certification levels. It’s required in cases where a data breach could create widespread problems for the Department of Defense, or even for national security.

To obtain Level 3 CMMC certification, you must undergo a Government audit. The Government will thoroughly assess your security system and determine whether it meets the appropriate standards for certification.

What Is the Cybersecurity Compliance Timeline?

CMMC 2.0 came into effect in December 2024. From that date on, organizations working with the Department of Defense are mandated to begin implementing CMMC compliance according to a 4-phase plan.

Phase 1

This stage began in December 2024, as soon as CMMC 2.0 came into effect. During Phase 1, prospective new DoD contractors are required to conduct a self-assessment to ensure cybersecurity compliance according to Level 1 or 2 CMMC. Phase 1 requirements went into effect November 10, 2025.

Phase 2

The full Level 2 standard comes into effect in November 2026, ushering in Phase 2 of CMMC 2.0. At this stage, contractors are subject to third-party audits to ensure cybersecurity compliance with Level 2 and Level 3 certification.

Phase 3

Phase 3 is set to begin in November 2027. At that time, organizations that handle the most sensitive data will be mandated to undergo a Government-run security audit to ensure compliance with Level 3 CMMC certification.

Phase 4

In November 2028, all new defense contracts will contain language stipulating the CMMC level requirement.

What Steps Should You Take To Comply with the CMMC?

Cybersecurity compliance is fairly straightforward and can be broken down into a few key steps.

Step One: Preparation

Determine which certification level is appropriate for your organization and its needs. Begin by deciding which contracts you’d like to apply for, and use the contracts to decide the appropriate certification level.

Remember that it’s always a good idea to aim for the lowest appropriate certification level, as higher levels are more difficult to obtain. If you are not dealing with highly sensitive data, it’s not worth trying to obtain the Level 3 certification.

Step Two: Internal Assessment

Conduct a preliminary assessment of your organization, analyzing where you will need to make changes to achieve cybersecurity compliance.

It’s good practice to do this in two stages. First, complete a self-assessment. Next, check your assessment with an objective source.

Step Three: Third-Party Audit

If you’re working towards Level 2 or Level 3 certification, you’ll need to be audited, either by an approved third-party auditor or by the Government. The CMMC marketplace makes it easy to set up the assessment. Again, you should first perform a self-assessment to make sure that you’ve addressed any shortfalls in your organization before you undergo this audit.

Step Four: Course Correction

The audit may reveal deficiencies in your security system. If so, you may be granted time to correct these deficiencies and still successfully apply for your CMMC certification.

Once you receive your CMMC certification, you’ll need to renew it once a year to confirm that your organization is keeping up with DoD best practices for cybersecurity.

Get Started With the CMMC Certification Process

Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity: A Federal Perspective

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As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to expand across Government operations, Federal agencies must integrate advanced AI technology to strengthen cybersecurity while staying ahead of new cyber threats. This is especially crucial in environments where critical systems, personally identifiable information (PII), and critical infrastructure are constantly targeted by sophisticated adversaries.

AI is a double-edged sword. Malicious actors now use machine learning techniques, deep learning and generative AI to scale cyberattacks at unprecedented speed. At the same time, security teams are successfully deploying advanced AI algorithms, security tools and threat intelligence to detect, defend and respond faster. Striking the right balance is essential for Federal leaders responsible for safeguarding national interests.

In this article, we’ll talk about how to find the right balance between exploiting AI’s capabilities and guarding against the risks. We’ll also explore the specific threats agencies face today, and discuss how AI can help by automating risk management.

The Growing Cybersecurity Challenge

Ransomware, large-scale phishing campaigns and deepfake social engineering attacks are accelerating due to advancements in AI systems and large language models (LLMs). Cybercriminals can cast a wider net than ever before, with little effort and at a low cost to themselves, especially when targeting critical infrastructure and Federal systems.

Increased Threats

It’s worth noting that even benign AI applications are paving the way for more cyber events. When Government agencies adopt AI tools, they automatically expand their networks and their “attack surfaces,” requiring new security measures and stronger vulnerability assessment practices.

AI’s automation and speed enable large-scale attacks. AI can rapidly scan and scrape online databases and analyze network traffic, looking for potential targets to attack. Hackers can use AI’s no-code automation capabilities to create the code for malware at high speed, and to send out phishing emails at a larger scale than ever before. AI’s natural language processing (NLP) capabilities allow it to create credible “deepfake” video and audio at high speed, as well.

The vast majority of these attacks are unsuccessful, but it only takes one careless end user to click a bad link to a malicious website, or to click a link that triggers a domain blocking failure. That’s why it’s so important for security teams to be on their guard. Fortunately, AI tools can also help. Just as no-code automation helps hackers, it also helps agencies protect themselves against threats.

Leveraging AI Tools To Fight Cyberattacks

The same capabilities that can make AI useful for hackers also make it a great tool in fighting cyber threats. Automation, speed and the ability to identify patterns are all invaluable for countering online threats.

Using AI to Identify Phishing Attacks

AI excels at assisting with phishing detection. AI and Machine Learning (ML) tools can quickly “read” incoming emails and texts and scan them for telltale signs of danger, like unusual sender addresses. AI’s natural language processing capabilities also help. NLP tools scan incoming messages for unusual phrasing or a strange tone, which might indicate a phishing attack.

Most spam folders are powered by AI and ML tools. These tools are constantly learning on the job, too. Whenever you mark an incoming email “spam,” your software learns a little more about what you consider to be spam. Going forward, it incorporates that information into its workflow.

Using AI To Scan for Malware

AI-powered antivirus tools scan for malware more effectively than older antivirus detection systems. The AI software scans and analyzes huge quantities of data in network traffic and system logs to identify patterns that could indicate a virus. Because deep learning models are so good at identifying patterns and spotting anomalies, it can often spot new viruses early on.

Older antivirus software relies on known viral signatures. While useful, these tools can’t keep up with new threats evolving through AI algorithms. That’s the AI difference: predictive pattern detection supports proactive cybersecurity solutions and strengthens incident response.

Using AI To Identify Threats From Within

AI can help to spot attacks from within. The software establishes a baseline of user behavior, like normal login hours and normal patterns of data access. When there’s a change in that baseline, the AI tool flags it for further investigation.

AI looks for changes like unusual activity outside of a team member’s normal working hours or location-based aberrations. For example, if a member of your team normally logs in at 9 a.m. and out at 5 p.m., the AI tool will notice if they start logging in again at midnight to download files. Even if they have authorization to view that information, it’s worth asking why they suddenly need to access it at an unusual time. In the same vein, further review may be warranted if an employee views a record from an atypical IP address.

Using AI To Actively Fight Threats

Beyond identifying cyber threats, AI tools can proactively defend systems. They block or isolate compromised devices, enforce malicious domain blocking, apply system patches and notify security teams of attempted attacks.

AI-backed incident response workflows reduce the spread of malware and help protect the network even when one endpoint is compromised.

Exercising Precaution: Building Guardrails for AI

AI is a valuable tool for fighting cyber threats. However, it’s important to protect your network and end users against AI’s natural pitfalls. Federal agencies have a special responsibility to install guardrails in accordance with the relevant regulations and guidelines.

AI guardrails ensure that the technology behaves according to ethical standards, avoiding bias and making appropriate use of sensitive data. To some extent, AI itself can create guidelines. Generative AI tools can routinely scan for ethical problems and alert managers to any new issues.

However, human oversight remains crucial, and agencies should appoint managers to be directly accountable for AI supervision. The NIST AI Risk Management Framework provides detailed guidance for managers and anyone else involved in managing AI guardrails.

Making the Best Use of AI

Government agencies can’t turn their backs on AI. The technology offers too many benefits to stop using it. However, leaders must be aware that expanding AI also opens them up to greater threats. It’s also critical to be alert to the many dangers posed by AI-enabled cyberattacks.

The first step? Inform yourself about how AI can impact your agency. To get started, learn about AI integration into GRC today.

From Compliance to Capability: Key Insights from CS5 CMMC Global Conference 2025

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The CS5 CMMC Global Conference 2025, the official conference of The Cyber AB, brought together more than 1,000 senior leaders from the Department of War (DOW), the Cyber AB, Federal agencies and the broader Defense Industrial Base (DIB) in Washington, D.C. The conference served as the essential gathering for defense contractors and DIB suppliers to chart the next phase of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) implementation, cyber resilience and supply chain security.  Speakers explored key themes, including:

  • CMMC’s Next Phase: Turning Compliance into Capability and Defending the Digital Nation
  • AI-Driven Compliance
  • Driving Operational Excellence through Documentation
  • Combat Readiness: Scaling Across the Defense Ecosystem
  • Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience

CMMC’s Next Phase

Turning Compliance into Capability

CMMC’s next phase represents precision in action and marks a national shift from policy compliance to operational defense. The United States now views information security as a foundational element of national defense. Safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), whether technical information, operational intelligence or logistical data, is inseparable from mission readiness and warfighter support. The DIB now operates as the digital frontline of national security, where compliance is no longer optional but an essential layer of protection.

Defending the Digital Nation

Contractors demonstrate that they not only meet Federal requirements but also actively share the responsibility of defending the nation’s digital infrastructure. CMMC represents both a compliance framework and a patriotic commitment to protecting critical information, ensuring that data remains secure in an era where proximity to the battlefield no longer determines risk.

AI-Driven Compliance

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the CMMC landscape by acting as a force multiplier for speed, accuracy and operational efficiency. Across the Defense Industrial Base, AI-enabled tools are drafting policies, tagging evidence, detecting anomalies and summarizing documentation that once required extensive manual effort. Large language models (LLMs) can rapidly produce preliminary content that validates cybersecurity readiness and synthesizes complex data, enabling DIB contractors to prepare security readiness at scale. Speakers emphasized the need for human oversight to ensure that AI-generated output is validated and aligned with compliance integrity, as automation without governance creates new vulnerabilities. In practice, organizations should leverage AI to enhance efficiency and maintain traceable audit trails, while reserving decision-making, evidence validation and risk assessment for qualified staff. 

When implemented responsibly, AI enables a balanced model of collaboration between human expertise and machine efficiency, accelerating readiness without compromising accountability or security.

Driving Operational Excellence through Documentation

Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) platforms serve as key accelerators by automating version controls, maintaining audit trails, centralizing repositories and linking policies directly to evidence. Updating documentation frequently ensures team alignment and simplifies compliance upkeep as levels role out and evaluations are conducted. Embedding documentation into corporate culture ensures long-term sustainability and empowers teams to focus on meaningful security efforts rather than reactive updates.

Best Practices:

  • Automate version controls and standardizes templates to ensure consistency
  • Use GRC systems to consolidate documentation and eliminate silos
  • Treat documentation as continuous validation: write it, organize it and prove it
  • Integrate compliance reviews into routine workflows to sustain readiness and confidence

Combat Readiness: Scaling Across the Defense Ecosystem

The official enforcement of Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations on November 10, 2025, will operationalize CMMC as a mandatory requirement for Federal contracts, transforming cybersecurity from a best practice into an enforceable procurement standard across the DIB.

As CMMC Phase 1 begins, compliance must be achievable and affordable, particularly for small and mid-sized contractors that anchor the defense supply chain. Organizations should use this time to budget to train and develop strategies for compliance, leveraging hyperscalers and automation to accelerate readiness. Speakers emphasized that scalable readiness, supported by harmonized frameworks and the reduction of overlapping requirements, is critical to sustaining momentum toward full certification.

Early preparation is essential, as a limited number of assessors may create scheduling delays once enforcement expands. Companies that act now by documenting, training and aligning their operations with Federal standards will not only meet compliance expectations but also reinforce their resilience, competitiveness and commitment to securing the nation’s defense ecosystem.

Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience

High-profile cyber intrusions reaffirmed a simple truth: supply chain security is the foundation of national security. Every organization must know what it protects, how it protects it and how that protection is verified through certification. Compliance is no longer just a cost of doing business; it is both a competitive advantage and a national defense imperative. Contractors should prepare their teams to understand eligibility requirements, strengthen internal controls and treat certification as an investment in long-term success. By embedding compliance into corporate culture and operational workflows, companies not only safeguard data but also enhance brand credibility, reduce systemic risk and ensure continuity of operations across the DIB.

Each contractor that fortifies its cyber posture strengthens the resilience of the entire supply chain because securing the DIB is securing the nation.

How Carahsoft Can Help

Whether your organization is preparing for its first CMMC assessment or advancing its cybersecurity maturity, there are continuous opportunities to strengthen readiness and collaboration across the Defense Industrial Base.

Explore CMMC Resources

Visit Carahsoft’s CMMC page to access compliance guides, vendor solutions and educational content designed to support Defense Industrial Base organizations at every maturity level. From understanding capability domains to preparing for assessments, our resources help organizations make informed decisions throughout their CMMC journey.

Download our comprehensive Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Framework Guide to understand the requirements, assessment processes and best practices for achieving CMMC compliance across all maturity levels.

Connect with CMMC Experts

Gaining CMMC compliance can be a complex and time-consuming process, but Carahsoft can guide your organization through every stage. Partnered with more than 200 cybersecurity vendors, Carahsoft connects DIB organizations with the right technologies, service providers and experts to address every maturity level and capability domain.

Contact the Carahsoft Team at (888) 662-2724 or CMMC@carahsoft.com to discuss your organization’s specific compliance needs and discover tailored solutions from our network of cybersecurity partners.

Attend Upcoming CMMC Events

Stay informed on the latest CMMC developments through Carahsoft-hosted workshops, webinars and training sessions. Through our network of partners, policy insights and educational events, Carahsoft helps organizations advance their cybersecurity maturity and meet evolving compliance requirements. Register to receive updates on upcoming CMMC-focused events and training opportunities.

The Practical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Government Programs

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A Government’s ability to lead, protect and serve is tied to how boldly it embraces technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept. It’s a force already redefining the way agencies operate, safeguard resources and deliver services. In an era where global competitors are racing ahead with automation and advanced analytics, standing still is not an option. Agencies that adopt AI strategically will not only keep pace but set new standards for effectiveness, transparency and citizen trust.

Key Use Cases for Artificial Intelligence in Government

Across the Public Sector, AI is moving beyond pilot projects into critical programs. Government agencies are weaving AI into their daily operations. They are detecting fraud before it drains budgets, automating compliance that once accounted for many staff hours and analyzing risks too complicated for manual review. The practical applications are real, measurable and growing. What once seemed like gradual innovation is quickly becoming a foundation for modern governance.

Common AI use cases in Government include:

Fraud detection and prevention

The U.S. Government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion a year to fraud. While no agency is immune to fraud, AI is helping the Government fight back. For example:

  • The Treasury Departmentuses machine learning to detect fraud in real time, enabling it to recover over $4 billion in fraudulent funds during fiscal year 2024.
  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)has integrated AI in its fraud prevention system to review claims before payment. Between January and August 2025 alone, it denied over 800,000 fraudulent claims, saving more than $141 million.
  • The IRS uses AI-powered tools, such as the Risk-Based Collection Model, to improve fraud detection and reduce the tax gap.

Compliance reporting

Compliance is time-consuming for agencies, but AI is now automating much of the process. Agencies use AI to monitor real-time data and flag inconsistencies to simplify reporting. With these capabilities, AI enables greater transparency and faster responses to regulatory requirements.

While AI doesn’t replace human oversight, it frees staff to focus on higher-value analysis, cutting the time and costs of compliance. A good example is the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) use of natural language processing to automate reporting for financial markets. It processes millions of filings and generates compliance reports to improve enforcement efficiency.

Risk management

Government programs face constant risks:

  • Operational
  • Financial
  • Security
  • Environmental
  • Third-party exposure

AI in Government is already helping agencies with minimum risk management practices. For instance, automating third-party risk management with AI-enabled Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) platforms helps agencies assess vendor reliability and track compliance to reduce exposure.

Supply chain monitoring

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of the public supply chain. AI is now helping the Government strengthen resilience with real-time monitoring.

Machine learning models predict bottlenecks to help agencies optimize their logistics. Additionally, enhanced visibility allows policymakers to proactively mitigate third-party risks in the supply chain, as they can monitor vendors and flag vulnerabilities before they escalate.

Policy cycle integration

Public policies move through cycles: setting the agenda, designing solutions, implementing programs and evaluating results. AI has a role at each stage.

Policy cycle stageAI’s roles
Agenda-settingAnalyzes citizen feedback and emerging trends to identify priorities
Solution development Models the likely impact of different policy options
ImplementationAutomates program operations
EvaluationMeasures outcomes against goals

Used thoughtfully, AI makes the policy cycle more evidence-driven and adaptive.

Citizen services

According to a 2024 Salesforce report, 75% of Americans expect Government digital technologies to match the quality of the best private sector organizations. To meet these expectations, U.S. and State Government agencies are using:

  • Chatbots to answer common questions and improve the availability of Government services
  • Digital assistants to provide personalized help and handle more complex inquiries
  • Self-service portals to let citizens complete tasks like renewing licenses on their own

Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Government

Beyond mere modernization, embracing AI in Government delivers measurable value:

Increased efficiency and productivity

According to a 2023 McKinsey report, generative AI can automate 60%–70% of tasks and add $2.6–4.4 trillion annually to global productivity. Federal and State agencies are using AI to reduce repetitive tasks such as data entry and document reviews to free Government employees’ time for more strategic efforts. This shift in focus raises productivity without adding headcount.

Improved strategy

Insights from AI help policymakers see the bigger picture. Agencies use predictive analytics to forecast outcomes and test scenarios so they can design public policies to prevent undesirable outcomes to begin with, instead of just reacting to them.

Greater responsiveness

AI makes public services more responsive. Examples include agencies using chatbots to answer citizens’ questions and sentiment analysis tools to better listen to community concerns.

Implementation Challenges that Hinder the Strategic Use of AI in Government

While AI is already delivering results in Government agencies, several obstacles hinder its broader adoption.

Skill gaps and training

A 2024 Salesforce survey found that 60% of Public Sector IT professionals say limited AI skill is their top challenge in implementing AI.

Data biases and ethics

AI learns from data that often reflects existing societal inequities, which can perpetuate or even amplify bias.

Data management

Many agencies rely on siloed or outdated systems. In fact, the Federal Government faces a $100 billion legacy IT challenge, making it difficult to integrate and secure data effectively.

Public trust

Government agencies are expected to operate with a high degree of accountability and transparency. Public skepticism, shaped with legitimate concerns about bias and privacy, may stall or derail AI initiatives.

The Way Forward: Building Smarter, Trustworthy Public Programs

The potential of AI in Government is huge, but so are the risks. To enjoy the benefits while protecting public trust, it’s important to follow best practices for managing AI risks:

  • Treat AI as a strategic asset that drives smart, citizen-focused outcomes, rather than just a technical tool.
  • Pair AI with human oversight to address biases and provide context in decision-making, so the outcomes remain fair and ethical.
  • Invest in responsible governance frameworks to guide the development and deployment of AI within your agency.
  • Monitor AI continuously after deployment to address any unintended consequences.

Managing AI in GRC Solutions

Billington CyberSecurity Summit: AI Takes Center Stage

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Premier U.S. Government cyber conference previews AI on offense, on defense and as a target

  • While adversaries can boost the quality and volume of attacks with artificial intelligence (AI), defenders will apply AI to counter attacks with predictive and proactive defenses.
  • The advent of Agentic AIs will accelerate this trend and provide more avenues for attack, but defenders will always have the advantage by being able to train AIs with proprietary information and use them to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.
  • The transition to post-quantum cryptography will be an industry-wide heavy lift, with extensive rewriting of code to meet post-quantum standards.

Recently, I had the opportunity to share some of my experience and insights at the Billington CyberSecurity Summit in Washington, D.C. Moderated by Chris Townsend, Global Vice President of Public Sector at Elastic, our panel session, “The Future of Cyber Threat: Anticipating Threat Actors’ Next Steps,” explored how threat actors are evolving and what organizations can do now to prepare. Not surprisingly, AI was a hot topic. We also discussed quantum computing, emerging threats and the cybersecurity staffing shortage.

How Attackers Will Leverage AI

Attackers are already using AI to power their attacks, but it is important not to over-sensationalize the impact that AI is having because the proportion of AI-driven attacks is still quite small relative to the overall amount of malicious activity we are seeing. However, we expect that proportion to grow quickly.

One of the main ways attackers are using it now is to create phishing materials, because it addresses what is a weak point for many threat actors, who often are not native English speakers. Attacks that are technically sophisticated can fail because they begin with a spear phishing email whose spelling or grammar is wrong. Large Language Models (LLMs) solve that problem brilliantly because if there is one thing they are good at, it is creating plausible narratives in perfect English.

The other area we see attackers using it is to automate their work. We have already documented examples of code that appears to have been written by an AI.

In the short term, AI will not enable adversaries to do anything new, but we expect it to enhance the quality and volume of their attacks. AI is lowering the entry bar for threat actors. They do not even need to know how to code anymore. Naturally, the number of attacks will begin to go up.

In the medium term, the arrival of Agentic AI is likely to accelerate malicious activity levels, since agents can act autonomously, further minimizing the level of input needed from attackers.

We have already done some research on how agents could be abused and proven that they can already be used to carry out a basic spear phishing attack and deliver malicious code to a target. Agents are still in their infancy, and it is only a matter of time before they become capable of carrying out more sophisticated attacks with minimal instruction.

Preparing For the Quantum Era

The advent of quantum computing presents another significant challenge for cybersecurity. Quantum computers have the potential to break current encryption standards, making it imperative for organizations to transition to post-quantum encryption algorithms.

Adversaries are already preparing for this shift. The “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy involves stealing encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it once quantum computing becomes viable.

This process of transitioning to post-quantum encryption is not without its challenges. Decades of work have gone into refining and protecting the implementation of existing encryption methods, and we now face the task of revising and rewriting code using new, post-quantum standards. This will inevitably introduce a new generation of bugs, but we will have the benefit of AI to mitigate them.

It Does Not Stop Here

Conferences such as Billington are essential as we navigate this complex landscape. It embodies the Public and Private Sector collaboration that will be key to realizing better cyber defense outcomes moving forward. Together, with partners like Carahsoft delivering mission-critical industry expertise to U.S. Federal and Public Sector agencies, we can anticipate and counter the next generation of cyber threats, ensuring the safety and resilience of our digital ecosystems.

Learn more about how industry icons like Symantec and Carbon Black are putting AI on the front lines of cybersecurity.

Want to learn how Symantec, Carbon Black and Carahsoft can strengthen your cybersecurity posture? Contact us at Broadcom@Carahsoft.com for more information.

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Broadcom, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

This post originally appeared on security.com, and is re-published with permission.

Tightening Federal OT Cyber Incident Reporting For Critical Infrastructure

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Process-Oriented OT Cybersecurity with SIGA

Federal agencies and regulated operators of critical infrastructure are entering a new phase in operational technology (OT) cybersecurity. While many sectors have long followed voluntary guidance such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-82 Revision 3, recent years have seen a steady tightening of Federal cyber incident reporting requirements for critical infrastructure. This trend continues in 2025 with additional sector-specific rules taking effect and the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) moving toward its final rule.

From Guidance to Requirements

Federal oversight of OT cybersecurity has moved beyond broad guidelines into a phase where specific reporting obligations are being set by sector. The shift reflects a growing emphasis on timely and consistent incident data that can be used for coordinated national response.

In 2025, several key developments are shaping the landscape:

Federal OT Cyber Incident Reporting, blog, embedded image, 2025
  • Pipelines: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Directive Pipeline-2021-02F, effective May 3, 2025, continues to require mitigation measures, testing and contingency planning for pipeline operators. These measures have been in place since the Colonial Pipeline incident and are now firmly embedded in regulatory practice.
  • Water and Wastewater: The EPA Water Sector Cybersecurity Program has updated its technical assistance and incident-response guidance. While participation is voluntary, the program mirrors many of the practices found in regulated sectors, indicating where expectations are headed.
  • CIRCIA: The Act is expected to be finalized in late 2025. Once in effect, it will require reporting significant incidents within 72 hours and ransomware payments within 24 hours, creating a cross-sector Federal baseline for incident reporting.

For Public Sector operators in energy, transportation, water and other essential services, these actions confirm that Federal expectations are moving toward consistent, evidence-based incident reporting across critical infrastructure.

The Reporting Challenge in OT Environments

Meeting Federal reporting requirements depends not only on having the right policies in place but also on the ability to detect and verify incidents quickly. In OT environments, many cyber events start as small changes in process behavior that do not appear in traditional network monitoring. When these early signs go unnoticed, agencies may be unable to confirm the incident, assess its impact or provide the detailed operational evidence that regulators require.

In the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture (commonly referred to as the Purdue Model), Level Zero refers to the lowest layer of an industrial control system. This is where raw input and output (I/O) signals from field devices report the actual status of equipment such as pumps, valves, circuit breakers and turbines. These electrical signals are the first and most reliable indicators of what is happening in a physical process, and they exist independently of the network data that higher levels use.

Without visibility into Level Zero, operators face several obstacles:

  • Difficulty confirming whether a cyber event has actually affected operations
  • Limited ability to quantify operational and safety impacts with precision
  • Gaps in the time-stamped evidence needed to meet short Federal reporting windows

The challenge is heightened in environments that mix aging legacy systems with modernized control platforms. These environments often lack unified monitoring, making it harder to capture the unaltered operational data regulators now expect.

Why Process-Oriented OT Cybersecurity Matters

In the Purdue Model, Level Zero is the process interface where the control system reads and drives raw I/O signals. Those unprocessed signals provide the closest, most reliable view of real operating conditions, so early signs of a cyber-physical impact frequently show up there first.

Process-oriented OT cybersecurity focuses on monitoring these raw signals in real time. By capturing them out of band from the operational network, agencies gain a trusted source of truth that cannot be spoofed or altered by a network-based attack. This data enables:

  • Clear timelines of operational changes before, during and after an incident
  • Early detection of anomalies that may indicate tampering or failure
  • Reliable forensic evidence for post-incident reporting and compliance audits

This approach bridges the gap between traditional IT security tools and the operational realities of critical infrastructure, ensuring that reporting requirements can be met with both speed and accuracy.

SIGA’s Role in Compliance Readiness

SIGA delivers process-oriented OT cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. SigaGuard connects directly to control-system I/O modules and continuously monitors raw electrical signals at Level 0, entirely out of band from the operational network. This preserves system performance and provides a tamper-proof view of operational data.

SigaGuardX: Early Threat Detection
SigaGuardX supports evidence-based determination of when a cyber event is underway. It classifies whether activity reflects normal operations or an OT cyber breach by applying multiple artificial intelligence (AI) models and cross-referencing the MITRE database of known attacks. It also performs real-time comparisons between Level 0 signal behavior and data from Levels 1 through 4 to surface possible false-data injection attacks, including Stuxnet-like patterns.

Siga-PAS: Process Attack Simulation
Software-based simulated anomalies replicate real-world attack scenarios. Siga-PAS enables agencies to prepare for and respond to OT-specific threats without disrupting ongoing operations, while validating detection logic, incident playbooks and reporting workflows.

Compliance Outcomes

  • High-fidelity operational evidence that aligns with CIRCIA and sector-specific reporting requirements
  • Regulator-ready forensic records of sequence, scope and impact
  • Faster reporting through actionable alerts with operational context
  • Rapid verification of whether a cyber event affected critical processes

By integrating SIGA’s Level 0 monitoring into existing security operations, agencies can meet tightening Federal reporting requirements and improve their ability to detect, contain and recover from OT cyber incidents. This strengthens both regulatory compliance and the continuity of essential public services.

Visit Carahsoft’s SIGA solutions page to learn more about how SIGA’s cyber-physical security solutions can strengthen your agency’s infrastructure.

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including SIGA, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

Transforming Public Services: A Digital Approach to Efficiency and Trust

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Since the founding of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 1921, efficiency has been a focus of the Federal Government. According to the legislation, the GAO aims to provide “greater economy and efficiency in the conduct of public service” and has been integral in the effort to aid our Government to do more with less. Today, this mission continues with the adoption of modern technologies to expand Government outreach. The adoption of modern technology allows for increases in interactions such as website visits, applications for services and public outreach. The hope is that building on these foundations of new technology will meet and improve public expectations (Pew Research).

Designing Trusted Digital Services

Today’s digital world has brought about a rising set of expectations from the constituents that public agencies work with. People now expect their Public Sector experiences to be on par with their favorite online retailers. This is likely why digital services are a priority of both the “America by Design” Executive Order and State CIOs (NASCIO 2025). To meet these expectations and create trusted services, Government websites need their digital offerings to be intuitive, personalized and responsive to the needs of every user. Making every interaction count is what is important. Everything from the smallest information request to the most complex, multi-year service transactions should be built with the user in mind. These user-centered designs can ensure that agencies construct the kinds of welcoming, trusted experiences that users want.

The potential for citizens to interact with their Governments in the digital space is limitless, and creating personalized content is pivotal to meeting those expectations. Trusted, engaging experiences are built on equal pillars of data, content and meaningful delivery. However, they begin with a modern foundation to meet the demands necessary for true personalization.

Technology and Workforce Modernization

Modernization is about streamlining outdated processes that have long hindered efficiency. Many Government websites still struggle with outdated designs and inconsistent content, yet the website of a Government agency is often the first point of contact for constituents seeking information or services. Therefore, the America by Design EO requires agencies to “prioritize improving websites…that have a major impact on Americans’ everyday lives” (Executive Order). With a well-designed website that is easy to navigate, constituents can quickly find the information that they need.

After agencies inform constituents about services, they must enroll them in the appropriate ones. Enrollment processes have traditionally been slow and time-consuming, often relying on paper-intensive systems. To reduce administrative burdens and improve data collection accuracy, agencies must transition from manual, paper-centric workflows to digital tools. When employees aren’t bogged down by administrative cleanup work, they have more time to work on tasks that make a bigger impact on their agencies’ missions.

This means that modernization is also about enabling the workforce to adapt to this new digital foundation. Efficiency here involves enhancing communication between employees, aligning project tasks with agency goals and providing transparency into this progress. Agencies that foster a culture of collaboration and trust in their workforce will see that workforce more empowered to deliver efficient results that align better with overall goals.

Looking Forward

Today, efficiency has expanded beyond the scope of the GAO itself and has been integrated into nearly every aspect of the Public Sector and how residents think about it. By prioritizing intuitive, personalized and efficient digital services that meet public expectations, agencies can increase trust in our Government.

Check out this on-demand webinar series to learn how Adobe’s digital experience solutions can help your agency modernize public services, digitize internal workflows and accelerate content delivery, while ensuring compliance and protecting sensitive data.

Securing Government AI: Why Federal Agencies Need a Trust Layer for Accountable, Compliant Deployment

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Federal agencies must deploy AI fast – but safely. The White House’s Executive Order, new OMB guidance requiring Chief AI Officers, and citizen expectations are driving rapid adoption. More than 1,700 AI use cases are already live across Government, doubling in just one year.

The challenge? Traditional security can’t keep up with AI systems operating at machine speed and scale. Federal agencies need Zero Trust architecture built specifically for AI agents, not retrofitted legacy systems. The recent addition of Nuggets’ Trust Layer solutions to the GSA Schedule provides exactly that foundation.

The Zero Trust Imperative for Government AI

Here’s the reality: AI agents make thousands of decisions per second across multiple systems. Without Zero Trust verification, agencies can’t prove who authorized what action, when or with which data.

The core challenges are clear:

  • Speed vs oversight: AI operates faster than current security can verify
  • Scale: Thousands of simultaneous agent interactions with no unified oversight
  • Accountability gaps: No audit trails for autonomous decisions in black-box systems
  • Compliance blind spots: NIST IAL2/IAL3 standards weren’t designed for autonomous AI
  • Sophisticated threats: AI-powered spoofing attacks that overwhelm legacy defenses

Federal agencies face intense pressure to adopt AI, but risks around bias, privacy, accountability and public trust threaten safe deployment. The gap between what agencies must deliver–secure, transparent, compliant services—and what legacy systems can support continues to widen.

Why Legacy Solutions Can’t Keep Up

Traditional identity systems were built for humans, not AI agents. While protocols like Agent-to-Agent (A2A) and Model Context Protocol (MCP) enable coordination between agents and tools, they don’t verify trust, intent or authorization, especially when handling sensitive Government data.

Point solutions create security silos and compliance blind spots. Legacy frameworks simply don’t account for autonomous decision-making, leaving agencies without proof of who or what acted, when and with proper authorization. Without this foundation, compliance and accountability are left to chance.

The Trust Layer Solution: Zero Trust for AI

Nuggets provides purpose-built Zero Trust architecture for agentic AI. Recognized by Gartner as a leader in decentralized identity, our trust layer embeds verification into every AI interaction, no matter the agent, system or data involved.

The comprehensive architecture creates compliance by design through three core capabilities:

Verifiable Identity: Cryptographically verified identity for every human, organization and AI agent that works across all platforms, contexts, devices and systems.

Complete Audit Trails: Every AI decision creates tamper-proof records with consent receipts and authorization proofs that meet Federal accountability requirements.

Standards Compliance: Built-in adherence to NIST IAL2/IAL3, AAL2 and UK Digital Identity Trust Framework requirements, ensuring agencies can deploy AI while meeting stringent security standards.

The result: a Zero Trust foundation on which agencies can deploy autonomous AI systems with confidence that every action is verified, compliant and auditable. This will enable both rapid innovation and Government accountability.

Real Impact: Government AI That Works

For Government IT leaders, the practical outcomes are substantial and measurable. Agencies using Nuggets’ trust layer achieve:

Operational Confidence: AI agents operate autonomously while maintaining security standards, delivering efficiency without sacrificing oversight.

Compliance Assurance: Built-in adherence to Federal identity verification requirements eliminates compliance guesswork.

Mission Success: Complete audit trails for all AI interactions and decisions ensure accountability while preventing unauthorized actions that could compromise sensitive operations.

Real-world use cases demonstrate the impact: automated document processing across agencies with complete audit trails, AI-driven eligibility checks and fraud detection that withstand regulatory scrutiny, secure inter-agency data sharing with verified agent identities and AI-powered citizen services that maintain privacy while delivering efficiency.

Each deployment proves that agencies can achieve both AI innovation and Government accountability, systems that are trusted by regulators, citizens and the mission itself.

The GSA Schedule Advantage

Procurement complexity often slows Government adoption of new technologies, but Nuggets eliminates these barriers. The solution is available through multiple pre-vetted contract vehicles, including GSA Schedule No. 47QSWA18D008F, SEWP V contracts, ITES-SW2, NASPO ValuePoint, OMNIA Partners and E&I Contract.

This means agencies can move from evaluation to deployment quickly, leveraging Carahsoft’s established Government relationships and support infrastructure. No lengthy procurement delays, no security gaps, no compliance questions.

Ready for Trusted AI Deployment?

As agencies expand AI capabilities, traditional security cannot keep pace with the speed, scale and complexity of autonomous systems. Purpose-built Zero Trust infrastructure is essential for agencies that must balance innovation mandates with compliance requirements and public accountability.

See how Federal agencies are deploying AI that’s secure, compliant, transparent and trusted. Schedule a personalized demo to explore how Nuggets’ Trust Layer can secure your agency’s AI deployment with the accountability that Government operations require.

Deploy AI that’s trusted by regulators, citizens and your mission. Contact Carahsoft at (844) 214-4790 or Nuggets@carahsoft.com. Learn more at www.carahsoft.com/nuggets.

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Nuggets, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

Secrets to Public Sector Sales Success: Insights from Marion Square’s Harvey Morrison

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The Federal Government needs more solutions, not more software. That is the message we at Marion Square get every day from our agency contacts. They do not want lists of product features or emails about why one technology is better than another. They want to know how that technology will meet their very specific needs, how it will fit into their unique IT architecture and, most importantly, how it will help them solve their challenges.

As such, successfully selling to agencies today looks a lot different from what it did a few years ago. It is not about getting 50 meetings with 50 different agencies; that scattershot approach is a waste of time. Instead, it is about ensuring that the right meetings are held and that each one matters.

That is where Marion Square comes in. We help technology vendors align their products with mission impact and operational fit. Our advisory approach blends deep market intelligence with tailored go-to-market strategies that position technology not as a product, but as an answer to an agency’s most pressing needs.

Based on our conversations with agency contacts, here are the key trends shaping Federal buying behavior, and how we recommend vendors respond.

The Three Pricing Archetypes Driving Public Sector Purchasing

The Government is still under immense pressure to bring costs down and increase efficiencies. Over the past few months, we have heard from many clients whose customers have called for price reductions. We advise them on three ways to respond:

Vendors must choose their approach carefully. A bold discount can open doors but risks setting unsustainable expectations. Value bundling requires clear articulation of how those added features meet specific mission needs. And while price cuts may help win deals in the short term, they should be anchored in a broader licensing or adoption strategy to avoid devaluation.

Partnering With Services Companies Is a Winning Strategy

Agencies need help navigating integration, implementation, training and sustainment. That is why partnering with services companies is essential. These firms bring institutional knowledge, procurement relationships and hands-on delivery capacity that agencies trust. When a vendor brings a product plus a credible partner to help stand it up, it reduces perceived risk and increases purchase confidence.

At Marion Square, we help clients align with the right service partners early in their go-to-market process. Doing so allows them to frame their offerings not as standalone tools, but as parts of larger, operationally relevant solutions.

Indeed, we have seen a lot of success when vendors position themselves alongside integrators or mission-focused contractors who already have traction within an agency. The collaboration strengthens the overall value proposition and gives agencies greater confidence that the solution can be deployed effectively and deliver measurable outcomes.

Agencies Look to Vendors For Education, Not Just Products

Many Federal stakeholders are overwhelmed by emerging technologies and new mandates. They value a partner who can help them unpack directives like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 23-02, for instance, or understand how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can improve workflows, cybersecurity initiatives and so forth. Vendors who show up with insight, rather than just information, become trusted advisors and separate themselves from the pack.

We also see a significant knowledge gap around the innovation programs already available to agencies. Beyond well-known pathways like Small Business Innovation Research Programs (SBIRs), many Government stakeholders are unaware of other funding mechanisms and pilot opportunities that could support emerging technologies. So, we work with clients to help them think of new ways to present their technology and receive funding for their solutions.

For example, we worked with a client focused on AI data processing who was using a traditional hardware approach. We identified an opportunity to reposition their architecture to align with a lesser-known innovation program, helped craft a targeted proposal and they secured funding. It is proof that vendors can add value by not only educating agencies on their capabilities but also guiding them toward untapped opportunities to fund and implement them.

Join Us This Fall

In October, we will be co-hosting a strategy session with our partner Carahsoft to discuss these and other issues. We will discuss current market trends and provide attendees with insights into crafting winning sales strategies that drive traction. We will cover what it takes to get agency attention, how to build messaging that resonates and how to position each solution as the one that helps Government teams deliver on their mission.

We hope you will join us!

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Marion Square we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

How “America by Design” Will Transform Federal Services

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Consistent, accessible design allows customers to easily access and navigate Federal services.

The recent executive order (EO), “Improving Our Nation Through Better Design,” aims to modernize and improve the visual presentation of digital and physical Federal Government services.

Facilitated by a new Chief Design Officer and National Design Studio (NDS), this initiative aims to reduce duplicative costs, utilize standardized designs to enhance trust in high-impact service providers (HISPs) and improve the quality of experiences across the nation.

A New Executive Order for Digital Excellence Across the Federal Government 

The EO establishes the initiative “America by Design,” which aims to modernize and improve the visual presentation and usability of Federal Government services. The initiative seeks to address the costly maintenance of legacy systems while dramatically enhancing the user experience (UX). This action plan will be facilitated through the new position of Chief Design Officer in the White House’s NDS. The Chief Design Officer will coordinate with thought leaders, researchers and design experts to implement standardized, aesthetically pleasing design solutions across both Federal websites and physical services. It is recommended that agency heads consult with the Chief Design Officer to implement the America by Design standards in their respective agency. Results must be delivered by July 4, 2026. While the NDS is a temporary creation that will terminate in three years, the design standards implemented will have an enduring impact.

Why Design Matters in CX 

The recent initiative ensures Government-wide compliance with Federal policies, such as the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA), which laid out requirements for digital services, and the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) code, a visual style guide for Government websites. Together, these standards aim to reduce duplication, minimize customer support needs and improve the overall interoperability of systems. Standardized, accessible design improves customer experience (CX) and reduces costs.  

Customer-focused design promotes standardization across Federal websites, maintaining consistency and compliance with the USWDS code. Standardized web designs increase efficiency and trust, as users recognize and find confidence in navigating across Federal spaces. These design standards also aim to replace legacy systems, which are costly, bog down users and erode efficiency in Government services. Overall, improved design correlates to operational efficiency, cost savings and service effectiveness. 

The EO marks a pivotal modernization moment for CX. By creating standards for a seamless, customer-first experience, Improving Our Nation Through Better Design champions service excellence through design that is consistent, aesthetically pleasing and accessible.

Carahsoft and its partners are equipped to connect agencies with the latest compliant technology for CX and design. To learn more about the solutions that can help your agency achieve the requirements detailed in this recent EO, check out Carahsoft’s Website Modernization and Mobile Enhancement Solutions. To revisit the 21st Century IDEA and the US Web Design System initiatives, read our past blogs, Government Experience: Modernizing Websites and Enhancing Federal Customer Experience with Digital Transformation. Take our quiz to identify the CX technology solution area that can enhance your Government customer experience delivery.