The Hidden Threat: Why Ignoring Non-Human and Third-Party Identities is a Risk You Cannot Afford

Posted on by Frank Briguglio

I had the opportunity to present and discuss the threat of Non-Human and Third-party Identities at AFCEA TechNet Cyber with the Department of Defense (DoD) community. It is obvious that the maturity of Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM) and all identities is top of mind. The Industry, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Homeland Security – Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (DHS CISA) and the DoD are all starting to focus on the problem, as it is recognized that identity is no longer just an IT problem—it is the front line of defense. We have been deep in digital transformation and the adoption of Zero Trust frameworks and have discovered an inconvenient truth: most organizations are flying blind when it comes to managing the very identities that power their operations—non-human and third-party users.

And that is a problem.

The New Cyber Perimeter: Identity

The old perimeter—firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs)—is dead. What stands between you and the next breach is your ability to govern who or what has access to your systems. Yet many agencies remain fixated on credentials and authentication, while ignoring vast swaths of non-human actors (bots, robotic process automations (RPAs), service accounts) and external partners (vendors, contractors, mission partners).

This is not just a gap. It is a canyon.

According to Deloitte, 63% of organizations lack visibility into third-party access. Even more troubling, most have no way to list or audit all machine identities operating in the background. These invisible accounts often have persistent, high-level access and no formal governance, making them prime targets for threat actors.

Real-World Breaches, Real-World Consequences

Look no further than the SolarWinds and Okta breaches. In both cases, attackers exploited unmanaged service accounts or contractor credentials to move laterally and escalate privileges. These were not arcane zero-days—they were lapses in identity governance. And they cost credibility, customer trust and in some cases, national security.

The lesson? You cannot protect what you cannot see. And you definitely cannot secure what you do not control.

Why Automation and Governance Are Non-Negotiable

In a Zero Trust architecture, access is no longer assumed—it is continuously verified. But that verification breaks down when service accounts are created ad hoc, with no expiration dates, no ownership and no audit trail. The same goes for third-party users who are onboarded through spreadsheets or informal emails, then forgotten once their project ends—yet their access lives on.

This is how breaches happen.

Governance gaps like these leave organizations exposed to avoidable risks: policy drift, compliance violations, excessive access rights and a lack of accountability. Without automation and lifecycle management, identities multiply faster than security teams can manage them—leading to sprawl, privilege creep and ultimately attack surface expansion.

The Case for Identity-Centric Security

Modern enterprises need identity security platforms that extend beyond the traditional workforce. That means treating machine and third-party identities with the same level of scrutiny, controls and lifecycle management as full-time employees.

SailPoint’s approach offers a compelling blueprint:

Non-Employee Risk Management (NERM): Centralized, auditable workflows for third-party access, including onboarding, offboarding and access reviews.
Machine Identity Security (MIS): AI-driven discovery, classification, ownership assignment and access certification for bots, RPAs and service accounts.

Together, these capabilities provide visibility and governance across all identities, regardless of origin. They also support Zero Trust mandates like least privilege, just-in-time access and continuous verification.

Business Benefits Beyond Security

This is not just about reducing risk. It is about enabling speed and scale without sacrificing control.

With strong identity governance:

Mission partners and contractors get the access they need faster—without creating long-term exposure.
Audit preparation becomes easier, with clear logs of who had access to what, when and why.
Compliance improves, especially in regulated industries, based on NIST and other frameworks.
Security teams can shift from reactive firefighting to proactive risk management.

And perhaps most importantly: organizations become more resilient in the face of evolving threats.

The Bottom Line

Cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting data—it is about protecting trust. And trust starts with visibility and control over every identity that touches your systems.

If your organization is still relying on outdated processes to manage non-human and third-party users, now is the time to act. Inaction is not neutral—it is a strategic liability. As attack surfaces expand and adversaries grow more sophisticated, unmanaged identities will remain the soft underbelly of your defenses.

Zero Trust is not just a framework—it is a mindset. And in that mindset, every identity matters.

It is time to see what has been hiding in plain sight.

Ready to reinforce your identity perimeter? Discover how SailPoint’s ICAM solutions empower organizations to manage digital identities with precision. Explore Now.

The Top Zero Trust Events for Government in 2025

Posted on by Alex Whitworth

Zero Trust stands out within the cybersecurity market because of its transformative approach to the immensely secure framework of “never trust, always verify.” Zero Trust cybersecurity technology industry experts are driven to safeguard Government networks and offer solutions that align with protecting critical information and reducing risk to national security. Carahsoft supports vendors that help Government organizations understand Zero Trust frameworks, develop a Zero Trust strategy and implement a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). Throughout this year, Carahsoft and our partners are participating in several events focused on strengthening Zero Trust throughout the Public Sector. Join us to learn how the industry and Government can collaborate to stay ahead of cybersecurity challenges and build a strong foundation for proactive security.

Public Sector Network Government Cybersecurity Showcase Series

Multiple Dates | In-Person Events

Join PSN’s Government Cybersecurity Showcases, a series of events making multiple stops where attendees can explore how Public Sector leaders can embrace innovation while strengthening cybersecurity. As agencies adopt AI, data analytics and smart technologies, the need for resilient Zero Trust frameworks has never been greater. This event will highlight strategies for securing digital transformation, protecting critical infrastructure and fostering cross-sector collaboration—ensuring that innovation enhances, rather than compromises, security and trust. Don’t miss the teaser for our upcoming cybersecurity series to get a sneak peek at the experts, insights and innovations shaping the future of cyber defense.

Events to look out for:

Tallahassee, FL – August 27: Agenda

Columbus, OH – September 2025: Agenda Coming Soon!

Austin, TX – November 12: Agenda coming soon!

Carahsoft has partnered with Public Sector Network to host the 2025 Government Cybersecurity Showcase Series, a multi-city event series focused on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in the Public Sector. These in-person events will bring together Government decision-makers and industry leaders to explore how innovative technologies—from AI to Zero Trust—are reshaping agency security strategies. Carahsoft is offering sponsorship opportunities to our partners. If you are a partner interested in further details on how to participate, please contact your Carahsoft Team.

SANS Government Security Solutions Forum

July 22 | Virtual Event

The SANS Institute stands on a mission of empowering cybersecurity professionals and honoring the highest standard in cybersecurity education to make the world a safer place. The Government Security Solutions Forum will delve into the latest trends in network protection, AI and cyber defense, supply chain, workforce development and more to help attendees understand how to combat modern threats effectively. In previous years, participants engaged with technology experts and listened to unique panel discussions with audience Q&As surrounding invaluable security initiatives across the Public Sector in areas such as Zero Trust implementation, achieving CMMC compliance and harnessing AI. Join us at this year’s event for all this and more!

Stay tuned for the official 2025 agenda. Here are some of the topics you can expect at this year’s event:

AI-Augmented Cyber Defense

Zero Trust Architecture

Cyber Defense Best Practices

Securing Government’s Expanding Attack Surface

Navigating Compliance Challenges

Emerging Cyber Threats and Future Trends

Carahsoft looks forward to partnering with the SANS Institute for the 5^th year in a row to bring this event to life. Carahsoft has over 800 employees focused on cybersecurity and partnerships with over 150 vendors. To learn more about the topics discussed at the forum and what to expect in July, read our highlights from last year’s event.

930gov Conference

July 31 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event

The 930gov Conference is the annual multi-track conference that brings together Government IT professionals, thought leaders and solution providers for a full day of education and networking. Hosted by the Digital Government Institute, this one-day event covers a range of critical topics including Cybersecurity/Zero Trust, AI, Cloud, Data and Records Management and Enterprise Architecture. With its turnkey format, 930gov offers Government attendees and sponsors alike a streamlined, high-impact experience—making it one of the most accessible and valuable events of the year.

Sessions to look out for:

Cyber/Zero Trust Track: Intersection of Cyber, AI and Privacy – This track will feature Zero Trust implementation lessons learned, advancements in continuous monitoring and the evolving threat landscape, including the rise of AI-driven phishing.

Carahsoft is partnering with DGI to support this event. 2025 sponsors included Carahsoft partners such as Microsoft and Armis. Carahsoft and DGI are offering Turn-key Booth sponsorships that feature premium exhibitor booth space, lead retrieval and overall access to the event. If you would like to get involved, please contact your Carahsoft Team.

Billington Cybersecurity Summit

September 9-12 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event

A long standing and experienced event, the Billington Cybersecurity Summit features an extensive array of cyber topics, speakers, sessions and interactive breakouts for attendees to truly immerse in the world of today’s emerging cybersecurity solutions and trends. In its 16^th year running, this leading Government cybersecurity summit promises an exceptional lineup of Government presenters, an invaluable leadership luncheon, an all-attendee networking reception and over 100 vendor booths featuring strategy development and technology demos.

For a sneak peek into what you can expect at the summit, topics covered during last year’s event included:

Zero Trust

Ransomware

Advancing cyber diplomacy

Protecting critical infrastructure

Learning how to use proactive defenses

Engineering AI into cybersecurity platforms

Implementing an effective risk management approach

Carahsoft is looking forward to sponsoring this year’s event and will feature a booth to engage with attendees throughout the week. We will also be hosting a large partner pavilion and encourage attendees to stop by and learn more about our partners and their technology solutions. Check out the events tab on our website for more details closer to the event! 

Carahsoft Cyber Leaders Exchange

October 1-2 | Virtual Event

Presented by Carahsoft in collaboration with Federal News Network, The Cyber Leaders Exchange will dive into how the Government is building cyber resilience, including showcasing tips, tactics and tools to support your organization’s mission-critical cybersecurity efforts. Look forward to sessions about cybersecurity strategy-building, workforce challenges, AI within cybersecurity, Zero Trust and informative speakers from trusted technology vendors as well as Government experts.

Join Federal News Network for Carahsoft’s 4th Annual Cyber Leaders Exchange, taking place virtually on October 1st and 2nd. This dynamic two-day event will spotlight top voices in Government and industry talking about Cybersecurity. Additional details coming soon. Carahsoft is offering sponsorship opportunities to our partners. If you are a partner interested in further details on how to participate, please contact your Carahsoft Team.

ATARC Public Sector Zero Trust Summit

October 23 | Reston, VA – Carahsoft Conference and Collaboration Center | In-Person Event

This in-person event will feature expert discussions, networking opportunities and insights into the strategies and technologies driving secure, resilient Government operations.

Sessions to look out for:

Building and Measuring Success in Public Sector Security – This session explores practical approaches to adopting ZTA aligned with current Executive Orders focusing on challenges such as identity management, secure access and legacy system integration.

Zero Trust Beyond Compliance – This session will explore how to leverage modern tools, enhance data protection and integrate Zero Trust into existing infrastructures without disrupting mission-critical operations.

Zero Trust and the Cloud: Strategies for Federal Hybrid Environments – This session will focus on strategies for implementing Zero Trust in federal operations that span both cloud and on-premises systems.

Enhancing Efficiency: Trends, Innovations and the Future of Zero Trust – Explore emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of cybersecurity, including advancements in automation, AI-enhanced threat detection and quantum-resilient encryption.

Carahsoft is proud to serve as the event partner and host for the ATARC Public Sector Zero Trust Summit for the 7^th year. Carahsoft is offering sponsorship opportunities to our partners. If you are a partner interested in further details on how to participate, please contact your Carahsoft Team. Attendees will also have the opportunity to earn up to 6 CPE Credits.

RSA Public Sector Day 2026

March 23-26 | San Francisco, CA | In-Person Event

The 13th Annual RSA Public Sector Day at the RSA Conference examines key areas such as developing a strong cybersecurity workforce, understanding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on both offensive and defensive cyber operations and improving the exchange of information among Government entities.

Attendees will hear directly from top Government leaders and industry professionals as they discuss their perspectives and strategies for enhancing cybersecurity across all levels of Government and healthcare. Check out our website for more information about our involvement in 2026.

AFCEA TechNet Cyber

June 2-4 | Baltimore, MD | In-Person Event

This flagship event serves as the center of gravity for a whole-of-government effort to bring together the policy, strategic architecture, operations and Command and Control (C2) leaders—along with the joint capabilities—needed to meet the global security challenges and successfully operate in a digital environment.

Carahsoft’s and more than 50 partners will attend to showcase a full range of cybersecurity, AI, DevSecOps and cloud solutions.

As Government agencies are implementing Zero Trust strategies to meet sophisticated threats, it is imperative that the tech industry provides the most up-to-date information and solutions surrounding cybersecurity. Join Carahsoft and our partners at this year’s events to be a part of the innovative path forward.

To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us at ZeroTrustMarketing@Carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading OSINT technology partners’ events, visit our Zero Trust solutions portfolio.

From Concept to Implementation: Operationalizing Zero Trust Architecture in Government Environments

Posted on by Norman Wong

Zero Trust has evolved over the last 15 years into a cornerstone of Federal cybersecurity strategy, influencing enterprises as well as State and Local Governments. While the principles of continuous authentication and least privilege are widely accepted, many organizations still need the industry’s support with implementation.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) National Cyber Center of Excellence (NCCoE) has bridged this gap by offering practical guidance for applying Zero Trust concepts in real-world solutions.

Understanding Zero Trust Principles

Zero Trust is a cybersecurity strategy built on the assumption that networks are already compromised, making it the most resilient approach for securing today’s hybrid environments. Rather than relying on network perimeters, Zero Trust focuses on continuous authentication and verification of every access request, regardless of where those resources are located.

This approach requires organizations to secure all communications through encryption and authentication, grant access on a per-session basis with least privileges, implement dynamic policies, continuously monitor resource integrity and authenticate before allowing access. The objective is to reduce implicit trust between enterprise systems to minimize lateral movement by potential attackers.

Organizations must also collect and analyze as much contextual information as possible to create more granular access policies and strengthen current controls for an enhanced Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA).

NIST’s Role and Guidance

NIST has been instrumental in defining and operationalizing Zero Trust through guidance documents and practical demonstrations like Special Publication (SP) 800-207, published in 2020, which established the foundation for ZTA. Building on this framework, NIST’s NCCoE worked with industry, Government and academia to launch a project to show how these concepts could be implemented in real-world environments.

Initially focused on three example implementations, the project expanded to 19 different ZTA implementations using technologies from 24 industry collaborators, including Palo Alto Networks.

These implementations were built around three primary deployment approaches:

Enhanced Identity Governance: Emphasizes identity and attribute-based access control, ensuring access decisions are linked to user identity, roles and context.
Microsegmentation: Uses smart devices such as firewalls, smart switches or specialized gateways to isolate and protect specific resources.
Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP): Creates a software overlay to protect infrastructure—like servers and routers—by concealing it from unauthorized users.

Although not included in SP 800-207, the project also recognized Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) as an emerging deployment model that integrates network and security functions into a unified, cloud-delivered service.

Practical Implementation Strategies

Palo Alto Networks - Operationalizing Zero Trust - Blog - Embedded Image - 2025

The NCCoE project tackled the critical question: where should organizations start on their Zero Trust journey? By adopting an agile, incremental approach with “crawl, walk and run” stages, the project phased its implementation based on deployment approaches. This allowed gradual, manageable builds while addressing real-world complexities.

Technologies such as firewalls, SASE with Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) using Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR® were utilized, with remote worker scenarios reflecting modern hybrid environments. NIST SP 1800-35 outlines the phased approach and provides a practice guide, including technologies, reference architectures, use cases, tested scenarios and security controls built into each implementation.

One of the most significant challenges addressed was interoperability between different security solutions. Rather than overhauling infrastructure, organizations can leverage existing technologies while gradually introducing new solutions to enhance security and move toward a mature ZTA.

Integrating Technology Solutions

The NCCoE highlighted how comprehensive security platforms enable Zero Trust principles across hybrid environments. Palo Alto Networks presented a comprehensive ZTA built with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), leveraging capabilities including Cloud Identity Engine for federated identity management, next-generation firewalls for microsegmentation, cloud-delivered security services and SASE for remote access and EDR.

The approach focused on three key objectives:

Continuous trust verification and threat prevention
Single policy enforcement across all environments
Interoperability with other security solutions

AI was embedded throughout the platform—from policy creation to user and device analysis—ensuring that Zero Trust policies are enforced consistently and adapted automatically in response to evolving threats. This intelligent strategy provides a scalable and resilient foundation for securing modern, hybrid environments.

Community Collaboration and A Holistic Approach

The success of the NCCoE project underscored the importance of collaboration between Government and industry to develop practical Zero Trust solutions. This partnership enabled the development of a holistic security monitoring system that can track user behavior across on-premises, cloud and remote environments. The integration of AI and ML streamlined incident response, reducing mean time to detection and resolution.

Experts recommend that organizations begin their Zero Trust journey with fundamental capabilities such as identity and access management (ICAM), endpoint security and compliance and data security. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), integrated with existing Active Directory (AD) systems or identity providers, is an effective first step in strengthening access security. Monitoring network traffic and endpoint behavior using threat intelligence, user behavior analytics and AI allows organizations to proactively detect and respond to threats, providing a solid foundation for a resilient ZTA.

The journey to operationalizing Zero Trust continues to evolve, with NIST planning updates to their guidance documents to address emerging technologies like SASE and special considerations for operational technology (OT) environments. By adopting the principles, frameworks and practical implementation approaches demonstrated through the NCCoE project, Government agencies can develop more resilient security architectures that protect resources across diverse environments.

To learn more about implementing ZTAs in Government environments, watch the full webinar “Operationalizing Zero Trust: NIST and End-to-End Zero Trust Architectures,” presented by Palo Alto Networks, NIST and Carahsoft.

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 Palo Alto Networks, 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.

TechNet Cyber 2025: Top 5 Insights on Zero Trust, Interoperability and More

Posted on by Mike McCalip

Technology is a vital part of the United States Department of Defense (DoD)’s capabilities, making security and enhancements essential to the nation’s stability and growth. AFCEA International’s flagship event, TechNet Cyber, emphasizes the role of cybersecurity and IT within the DoD. Alongside its partners, such as such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Everfox and Ciena, Carahsoft attended TechNet Cyber to support DoD mission objectives. Carahsoft maintains a unique position in the defense industry with the ability to connect DoD and intelligence community (IC) personnel, Government IT decision-makers, thought leaders and industry and vendor partners. At this year’s conference, leaders and operators in the IT and Defense Department joined to network, facilitate problem solving and explore ways to expedite and secure the procurement process.

Expanding Zero Trust: “Flank Speed” is Ready to Scale

To safeguard against potential cybersecurity attacks, the DoD is working to secure its networks with Zero Trust, a security strategy focused on identity, credential and access management. In the session “DoD Zero Trust Success Stories,” David Voelker, Zero Trust Architecture Lead for the Department of the Navy, discussed recent initiatives to bolster Zero Trust within Flank Speed, the Navy’s single enterprise Microsoft 365 solution that provides productivity tools, collaboration tools and OneDrive storage. The Department of the Navy is planning to conduct autonomous penetration testing to determine the quality of Zero Trust capability implementation. Last year Flank Speed met 151 of 152 Zero Trust activities, meeting target far ahead of schedule. Flank Speed is the Navy’s single enterprise Microsoft 365 solution that provides productivity tools, collaboration tools and OneDrive storage.

Another speaker, Ian Leatherman, the Zero Trust Strategy Lead for Microsoft U.S. Federal, discussed key takeaways from Microsoft’s work with Flank Speed. Visibility into agency networks is critical to emboldening existing Zero Trust strategies. Mr. Leatherman stated, “When in doubt, collect the telemetry: you never know what new or novel adversary techniques you may find.” Knowing exactly how many endpoints, applications and users are on the network at any given time positions the DoD to swiftly deal with incoming threats.

Leatherman also discussed recent initiatives to involve all Navy personnel in a cybersecurity strategy; security is more than a technology solution, but a way to ensure safety within the agency. David Voelker, Zero Trust Architecture Lead at the Department of the Navy echoes this statement. While the Zero Trust Portfolio Office set their DoD-wide Zero Trust adoption target as the end of fiscal year 2027, Flank Speed is already operational. Voelker notes that the Flank Speed configuration could be lifted and shifted to other customers in the DoD, with a quick deployment time of under 24 hours. Mr. Voelker also recommends automating this shift.

Carahsoft and our vendor partners offer several cybersecurity solutions to help Government agencies implement Zero Trust architectures that protect critical information and reduce national security risk. Our offerings align with Public Sector Zero Trust maturity models developed by NIST, the DoD and CISA.

Carahsoft, TechNet, blog, embedded image, 2025

How Mission Objectives Drive Acquisition

Acquiring powerful, up-to-date technology enables the DoD to protect against persistent and increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. The DoD aims to streamline its procurement process to maintain pace and safeguard against attacks. In the session “DoD Software Modernization Senior Steering Group,” speaker Sean Brady, Senior Lead for Software Acquisition Enablers at the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (Acquisition and Sustainment), explained that there are two key drivers to this transformation. The first is mission objectives; software should be tailored to allow the DoD to adapt its systems to rapidly changing threats. The second is access to commercial innovation, which allows the DoD to access products in weeks or months rather than years.

Digital Transformation for Operational Effectiveness

Digital transformation in the DoD is crucial for maintaining pace with an increasingly technology-driven security environment. Thomas W. Simms, Principal Deputy Executive Director for Systems Engineering and Architecture at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, discussed the major digital transformation efforts within the DoD.

The main four are:

Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), a congressional requirement that integrates technical and business strategies to promote acquisition and drives modular designs

The DoD’s Digital Engineering Instruction, which requires programs to use digital engineering in their design process

Application Program Interfaces (APIs), a ruleset that allows communication between software applications and is driven by the DoD’s API guidebook, which enables the DoD to become more data-centric

The DoD’s System Engineering Guidebook, which is currently undergoing an update to incorporate guidance from the Secretary of Defense’s latest memos

By modernizing legacy systems and enabling the DoD to acquire the newest and greatest in IT, these initiatives enhance operational effectiveness and improve decision-making speed.

Fast-Tracking Authority to Operate (ATO)

In the defense industry, technology must be approved to mitigate security risks. The Software Fast Track (SWFT), a process that expedites software verification within the U.S. Government, is changing the way the DoD manages risks and conducts Authority to Operate (ATO). Contractors can get involved with the latest software acquisition and risk management changes by participating in the three recently released requests for information (RFIs).

These RFIs, which close May 20^th, are:

RFI – Software Fast Track (SWFT) Tools

RFI – Software Fast Track (SWFT) External Assessment Methodologies

RFI – Software Fast Track (SWFT) Automation & Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Katie Arrington, the Acting DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), also discussed the Software Fast Track (SWFT) set to launch on June 1^st of this year. The initiative will replace the traditional Authority to Operate (ATO) structure and add a few requirements, such as third-party Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), third-party risk assessments and the population of Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service (eMASS) with artifacts. Once these guidelines are in place, contractors will gain a Provisional ATO.

Ms. Arrington attests that these changes will revolutionize the Risk Management Framework (RMF) by allowing industry experts to provide feedback to the DoD. Paper compliance isn’t enough anymore, Ms. Arrington says. The DoD is looking for “continuous monitoring, red-teaming and people to continually evaluate their capability.”

She also added that the DoD will be sunsetting the Approved Products List (APL). Additional sponsor additions are no longer being accepted. Instead, the SWFT initiative will take over, establishing a “trust, but verify” procedure, promoting both security and swift ATO action.

Using Interoperability to Pitch to DoD

As operations increasingly move online, interoperability becomes increasingly important to efficiency and accessibility. Venice Goodwin, the outgoing CIO for the Department of the Air Force, offered advice to industry professionals on navigating changes within DoD. Goodwin recommends that the industry practice “extreme teaming;” rather than service each department individually: vendors should focus on servicing the DoD as a whole. As the DoD prioritizes capabilities that have cross-departmental benefits, industry experts should demonstrate the effectiveness of their capabilities and solutions in every domain across land, sea, air and space. With this collaboration, both the Private and Public Sector can get the results they need.

The digital transformation journey within the Department of Defense represents not just an evolution of systems, but a commitment to defending interests at home and abroad. Acquisition, ATO and Zero Trust are all valuable assets to maintaining pace with the current, constantly evolving technological climate, ensuring the United States carries out its mission of protecting the nation.

To learn more about mission-critical technology, visit Carahsoft’s defense portfolio to explore solutions showcased at TechNet Cyber. For additional research into the key takeaways that industry and Government leaders presented at TechNet Cyber, view Carahsoft’s full synopsis of key sessions from the tradeshow. 

Bridging Identity Governance and Dynamic Access: The Anatomy of a Contextual and Dynamic Access Policy

Posted on by Frank Briguglio

As organizations adapt to increasingly complex IT ecosystems, traditional static access policies fail to meet modern security demands. This blog instance continues to explore how identity attributes, and governance controls impact contextual and dynamic access policies—as highlighted previous articles; Governing Identity Attributes in a Contextual and Dynamic Access Control Environment and SailPoint Identity Security The foundation of DoD ICAM and Zero Trust, it examines the role of identity governance controls, such as role-based access (dynamic or policy-based), lifecycle management, and separation of duties, as the foundation for real-time decision-making and compliance. Together, these approaches not only mitigate evolving threats but also align with critical standards like NIST SP 800-207, NIST CSF, and DHS CISA recommendations, enabling secure, adaptive, and scalable access ecosystems. Discover how this integration empowers organizations to achieve zero-trust principles, enhance operational resilience, and maintain regulatory compliance in an era of dynamic threats.

Authors Note: While I referenced the DoD instruction and guidance, the examples in the document can be applied to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and NIST SP 800-53 controls as well. My next article with speak specifically to the applicability of the DHS CDM MUR and future proposed DEFEND capabilities.

Defining Contextual and Dynamic Access Policies

Contextual and dynamic access policies adapt access decisions based on real-time inputs, including user identity, device security posture, behavioral patterns, and environmental risks. By focusing on current context rather than static attributes, these policies mitigate risks such as over-provisioning or unauthorized access.

Key Features:

Contextual Awareness: Evaluates real-time signals such as login frequency, device encryption status, geolocation, and threat intelligence.
Dynamic Decision-Making: Enforces least-privilege access dynamically and incorporates risk-based authentication (e.g., triggering MFA only under high-risk scenarios).
Identity Governance Integration: Leverages governance structures to align access with roles, responsibilities, and compliance standards.

The Role of Identity Governance Controls

Identity governance forms the backbone of effective contextual and dynamic access policies by providing the structure needed for secure access management. Core components include:

SailPoint Bridging Identity Governance Blog Embedded Image

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Dynamic/Policy-based: Defines roles and associated entitlements to reduce excessive or inappropriate access.
Access Reviews: Ensures periodic validation of user access rights, aligning with business needs and compliance mandates.
Separation of Duties (SoD): Prevents conflicts of interest by limiting excessive control over critical processes.
Lifecycle Management: Automates the provisioning and de-provisioning of access rights as roles change.
Policy Framework: Establishes clear baselines for determining who can access what resources under specific conditions.

Balancing Runtime Evaluation and Governance Controls

While governance controls establish structured, policy-driven access frameworks, runtime evaluations add the flexibility to adapt to real-time risks. Together, they create a layered security approach:

Baseline Governance: Sets foundational access rights using role-based policies and lifecycle management.
Dynamic Contextualization: Enhances governance by factoring in real-time conditions to ensure access decisions reflect current risk levels.
Feedback Loops: Insights from runtime evaluations inform and refine governance policies over time.

Benefits of Integration

By combining governance controls with contextual access policies, organizations achieve:

Enhanced security through continuous evaluation and dynamic risk mitigation.
Improved compliance with regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and NIST standards.
Operational efficiency by automating access reviews and reducing administrative overhead.

The integration of contextual and dynamic access policies with identity governance controls addresses the dual needs of flexibility and security in modern cybersecurity strategies. By combining structured governance with real-time adaptability, organizations can mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and achieve a proactive security posture that aligns with evolving business needs and regulatory demands. This layered approach represents the future of access management in a rapidly changing digital environment.

To learn more about how SailPoint can support your organization’s efforts within identity governance, cybersecurity and Zero Trust, view our resource, “The Anatomy of a Contextual and Dynamic Access Policy.”

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 SailPoint, 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.

Governing Identity Attributes in a Contextual and Dynamic Access Control Environment

Posted on by Frank Briguglio

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, federal agencies, the Department of Defense (DoD), and critical infrastructure sectors face unique challenges in governing identity attributes within dynamic and contextual access control environments. The Department of Defense Instruction 8520.04, Identity Authentication for Information Systems, underscores the importance of identity governance in establishing trust and managing access across DoD systems. In parallel, the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (DHS CISA) guidance and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) frameworks further emphasize the critical need for secure and adaptive access controls in safeguarding critical infrastructure and federal systems.

This article examines the governance of identity attributes in this complex environment, linking these practices to Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) models. It highlights how adherence to DoD 8520.04, CISA’s Zero Trust Maturity Model, and NIST guidelines enable organizations to maintain the accuracy, security, and provenance of identity attributes. These efforts are particularly crucial for critical infrastructure, where the ability to dynamically evaluate and protect access can prevent disruptions to essential services and minimize security risks. By integrating these principles, organizations not only achieve regulatory compliance but also strengthen their defense against evolving threats, ensuring the resilience of national security systems and vital infrastructure.

SailPoint Governing Identity Attributes Blog Embedded Image 2025

Importance of Governing Identity Attributes

Dynamic Access Control

In a dynamic access control environment (Zero Trust), access decisions are made based on real-time evaluation of identity attributes and contextual information. Identity governance plays a pivotal role in ensuring that these attributes are accurate, up-to-date, and relevant. Effective identity governance facilitates:

Real-time Access Decisions: By maintaining a comprehensive and current view of identity attributes, organizations can make informed and timely access decisions, ensuring that users have appropriate access rights based on their roles, responsibilities, and the context of their access request.
Adaptive Security: Identity governance enables adaptive security measures that can dynamically adjust access controls in response to changing risk levels, user behaviors, and environmental conditions.

Attribute Provenance

Attribute provenance refers to the history and origin of identity attributes. Understanding the provenance of attributes is critical for ensuring their reliability and trustworthiness. Identity governance supports attribute provenance by:

Tracking Attribute Sources: Implementing mechanisms to track the origins of identity attributes, including the systems and processes involved in their creation and modification.
Ensuring Data Integrity: Establishing validation and verification processes to ensure the integrity and accuracy of identity attributes over time.

Attribute Protection

Protecting identity attributes from unauthorized access, alteration, or misuse is fundamental to maintaining a secure access control environment. Identity governance enhances attribute protection through:

Access Controls: Implementing stringent access controls to limit who can view, modify, or manage identity attributes.
Encryption and Masking: Utilizing encryption and data masking techniques to protect sensitive identity attributes both at rest and in transit.
Monitoring and Auditing: Continuously monitoring and auditing access to identity attributes to detect and respond to any suspicious activities or policy violations.

Attribute Effectiveness

The effectiveness of identity attributes in supporting access control decisions is contingent upon their relevance, accuracy, and granularity. Identity governance ensures attribute effectiveness by:

Regular Reviews and Updates: Conducting periodic reviews and updates of identity attributes to align with evolving business needs, regulatory requirements, and security policies.
Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing feedback mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of identity attributes in real-world access control scenarios and make necessary adjustments.

Risks Associated with ABAC and RBAC

ABAC Risks

ABAC relies on the evaluation of attributes to make access control decisions. While ABAC offers flexibility and granularity, it also presents several risks:

Complexity: The complexity of managing a large number of attributes and policies can lead to misconfigurations and errors, potentially resulting in unauthorized access or access denials.
Scalability: As the number of attributes and policies grows, the scalability of the ABAC system can be challenged, affecting performance and responsiveness.
Attribute Quality: The effectiveness of ABAC is heavily dependent on the quality of the attributes. Inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete attributes can compromise access control decisions.

RBAC Risks

RBAC assigns access rights based on predefined roles. While RBAC simplifies access management, it also has inherent risks:

Role Explosion: The proliferation of roles to accommodate varying access needs can lead to role explosion, complicating role management and increasing administrative overhead.
Stale Roles: Over time, roles may become stale or misaligned with current job functions, leading to over-privileged or under-privileged access.
Inflexibility: RBAC may lack the flexibility to handle dynamic and context-specific access requirements, limiting its effectiveness in modern, agile environments.

Importance to a Zero Trust Model

The Zero Trust model is predicated on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” emphasizing continuous verification of identity and context for access decisions. Governing identity attributes is integral to the Zero Trust model for several reasons:

Continuous Verification: Accurate and reliable identity attributes are essential for continuous verification processes that dynamically assess access requests in real-time.
Context-Aware Security: By governing identity attributes, organizations can implement context-aware security measures that consider a wide range of factors, including user behavior, device health, and network conditions.
Minimizing Attack Surface: Effective governance of identity attributes helps minimize the attack surface by ensuring that access rights are tightly controlled and aligned with current security policies and threat landscapes.

Governing identity attributes is a cornerstone of modern access control strategies, particularly within the dynamic and contextual environments that characterize today’s IT ecosystems. By supporting dynamic access, ensuring attribute provenance, protection, and effectiveness, and addressing the risks associated with ABAC and RBAC, identity governance enhances the security and efficiency of access control mechanisms. In the context of a Zero Trust model, the rigorous governance of identity attributes is indispensable for maintaining robust and adaptive security postures, ultimately contributing to the resilience and integrity of organizational systems and data.

To learn more about SailPoint’s cybersecurity capabilities and how it can support mission-critical DoD initiatives, view our technology solutions portfolio. Additionally, check out our other blog highlighting the latest insights into “The Role of Identity Governance in the Implementation of DoD Instruction 8520.04”.

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 SailPoint, 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.

Securing Systems Through Segmentation and Zero Trust

Posted on by John Kindervag

Zero Trust is a cybersecurity strategy that recognizes trust as a vulnerability that may potentially allow malicious actors to exploit system environments. Traditionally, systems operated by granting permissions, visibility and trust to a user once they gain access. Rather than minimize trust and opportunity for breaches, Zero Trust eliminates trusted packets, systems and users altogether.

Implementing Zero Trust’s Fundamental Design Concepts

While breaches are inevitable, agencies can equip themselves with a Zero Trust framework to prevent successful cyber-attacks. Zero Trust encompasses identity, access permissions and micro segmentation, per the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) architecture. All three enforcement points are required to complete the Zero Trust model. While security products are a component of Government agency’s implementation of Zero Trust, it is a strategy that requires proper planning.

To successfully implement Zero Trust, agencies must understand its fundamental design concepts.

Focus on business outcomes: Determine key agency objectives and design strategies with those in mind.

Design security strategies from the “inside out”: Typically, networks are designed from the “outside in,” beginning with the software and moving onto data. This can introduce vulnerabilities. By designing software accessibility around data and assets that need to be protected, agencies can personalize security and minimize vulnerabilities.

Determine who or what needs to have access: Individuals should default with the least amount of privilege, having additional access granted on a need-to-know basis.

Inspect and log all traffic: Multiple factors should be considered to determine whether to allow traffic, not just authentication. Understanding what traffic is moving in and out of the network prevents breaches.

Fundamentally, Zero Trust is simple. Trust is a human concept, not a digital concept. Once agencies understand the basics of Zero Trust, they can decide which tactics they will use to help them deploy it across their network.

Breaking Up Breaches with Segmentation

Illumio Microsegmentation Zero Trust Blog Embedded Image 2024

In other security strategies, security is implemented on perimeters or endpoints. This places IT far from the data that needs monitoring. The average time between a breach and its discovery is 277 days and is usually discovered by independent third parties. With flat, unsegmented surfaces, once breachers gain access to a network, they can take advantage of the entire system. Zero Trust alleviates this by transforming a system’s attack surface into a “protect surface.” Through proper segmentation, systems make the attack surface as small as possible, then places users adjacent to the attack surface to protect it. This area then becomes a more manageable surface for agencies to monitor and protect, eliminating the time gap between breach and discovery.

Once the strategy method is chosen, agencies must decide which tactics and tools they will use to deploy Zero Trust. Here is a simple, five-step process for deploying Zero Trust.

1. Define the protect surface: It is important to start with knowing what data needs protection. A great first step is to follow the DAAS element—protect data, assets, applications and services. Segmentation can help separate these four elements and posit each on its own protect surface, giving IT employees a manageable surface to monitor.

2. Map transaction flows: With a robust protect surface, agencies can begin tailoring their Zero Trust environment. Understanding how the entire system functions together is imperative. With visibility into transaction flow mapping, agencies can build and architecture the environment around the protect surface.

3. Architect a Zero Trust environment: Agencies should personalize their security to best fit their protect surface. That way, Zero Trust can work for the agency and its environment.

4. Create policy: It is important to ask questions when creating policy, as Zero Trust is a set of granular allowance rules. Who should be allowed access and via what application? When should access be enabled? Where is the data located on the protect surface? Why is the agency doing this? These questions help agencies map out their personalized cybersecurity strategy.

5. Monitor and maintain the protect surface: By creating an anti-fragile system, which increases its capability after exposure to shocks and violations, agencies can adapt and strengthen from stressors.

Segmentation is vital to the theory of Zero Trust. Through centralized management, agencies can utilize segmentation to their benefit, positing IT adjacent to the specialized surface they protect. Zero Trust can be a learning curve. By implementing each protect surface individually, agencies can avoid becoming overwhelming. Building from the foundation up allows agencies to control their networks. Additional technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), help give defenders the advantage by enabling them to focus on protect surfaces. Through a personalized and carefully planned Zero Trust strategy, agencies can stop breaches and protect their network and data.

Illumio & Zero Trust

Zero Trust often incorporates threat-hunting solutions, to detect a problem and then try to block or remove it. But no solution will ever be 100% and it must be assumed that eventually a threat will slip through, undetected. Undetected threats will eventually move between workloads, further compromising the network. Illumio, a cloud computing security company that specializes in Zero Trust micro segmentation, can future-proof agencies against malware.

While threat-hunting tools focus on the workload, Illumio focuses on the segment, which means that Illumio enforces the Protect Surface via the vectors used by any and all threats that try to breach it. Any complex AI-generated malware which will appear in the near future will also want to move across segments, and Illumio will protect the environment today against threats which will appear tomorrow.

To learn more about Zero Trust and Segmentation, visit Illumio’s webinar, Segmentation is the Foundation of Zero Trust.

Highlights from the SANS Government Security Forum on Zero Trust, CMMC Compliance and AI

Posted on by Steve Jacyna

Carahsoft Technology Corporation, a leader in Government IT solutions, partnered with the SANS Institute for the fourth year in a row to host the 2024 Government Security Solutions Forum. The event gathered cybersecurity professionals and Public Sector leaders to address evolving cyber threats facing Government agencies. Experts led discussions on key topics, including Zero Trust implementation, achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance and harnessing artificial intelligence (AI). This blog highlights key takeaways from three of the six sessions surrounding these imperative industry topics, providing actionable insights to strengthen cybersecurity defenses in today’s digital landscape. During the event a visual artist Ashton Rodenhiser summarized the sessions which are featured in this blog.

Carahsoft SANS Government Security Solutions Forum Blog Zero Trust Image 2024

Zero Trust Implementation

During the session “Zero Trust Implementation Strategies,” experts explored the growing challenges security professionals face with emerging technologies and provided key insights into building a robust Zero Trust framework.

As new technologies rapidly emerge, security professionals face increasing challenges in keeping pace, especially with the integration of on-prem environments and the cloud. A key principle of Zero Trust is the enforcement of least privilege policies, which requires a shift in how identity management is applied. This begins with strong governance to ensure the accuracy and reliability of policies and attributes.

Building a comprehensive security framework also involves implementing contextual authorization through micro-segmentation, considering factors like device, location and time to create a robust protective barrier. Furthermore, integrating identity management with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools is becoming increasingly important for tracking authorized processes and addressing the extended presence of threat actors who exploit admin identities to execute malware.

One of the biggest challenges in managing security policies is their complexity. Many security policies lack human readability due to their intricate structure, making automation essential for managing actions and enforcing compliance. The National Security Administration’s (NSA) recent Zero Trust guide emphasizes automation as a key pillar, highlighting its importance in responding to data flow deviations and maintaining security.

Despite the advanced systems in place, human error continues to be a major vulnerability. Employees can unknowingly compromise security through phishing attacks or by interacting with malicious links. To mitigate this, organizations must prioritize improving employee awareness and addressing the human factor as a critical component of cybersecurity.

Explore how Carahsoft’s Zero Trust portfolio can help Government implement a comprehensive Zero Trust strategy, strengthening organization’s security and protecting critical assets.

Carahsoft SANS Government Security Solutions Forum Blog CMMC Image 2024

Achieving CMMC Compliance

The session “Navigating Supply Chain Security and CMMC Compliance” provided valuable insights into the upcoming implementation of the CMMC framework and its implications for Defense Industrial Base (DIB) organizations. This certification will ensure that DIB organizations meet stringent cybersecurity standards through third-party assessments and will soon be mandatory for both prime contractors and subcontractors working with the Department of Defense (DoD).

CMMC consists of multiple certification levels, with Level 1 covering basic practices for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Level 2 addressing 110 practices based on NIST 800-171, extending to around 320 actions. To prepare, organizations should work with Registered Practitioner Organizations (RPOs) to assess their readiness. These RPOs employ Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs) and Certified CMMC Assessors (CCAs), who are trained and certified by the Cybersecurity Assessor and Instructor Certification Organization (CAICO), a subsidiary of Cyber AB, which oversees the curriculum and training programs.

After preparation, organizations will undergo an official assessment by a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), which hires CCPs and CCAs to evaluate the cybersecurity measures in place. As the CMMC rule takes effect, organizations must ensure they work with certified professionals listed on the Cyber AB marketplace, as uncertified entities will not be recognized by the DoD.

Given the complexity of CMMC and the fact that preparation for certification can take at least six months, organizations are encouraged to start early to meet the new requirements.

Carahsoft is proud to be part of the CMMC ecosystem, with around 800 employees focused on cybersecurity and partnerships with over 150 vendors. By closely tracking policies and industry trends, Carahsoft aligns customer needs with relevant technologies, promoting “better together” integrations to maximize the value of existing investments. Carahsoft works with vendors that address every CMMC maturity level and capability domain, guiding customers through the complex decision-making process to ensure that they select the most suitable technologies to fill security gaps effectively and efficiently. Explore Carahsoft’s CMMC portfolio.

Carahsoft SANS Government Security Solutions Forum Blog AI Image 2024

Harnessing AI

Amid the complexities of cybersecurity, effective threat detection and response are increasingly reliant on advanced technologies like AI. The session “Harnessing AI for Advanced Threat Detection” explored the benefits and risks of integrating AI into security operations, highlighting key strategies for balancing automation with rigorous security practices.

“Advanced threat detection” spans various aspects of security operations, including the development and collection of threat intelligence. AI offers significant benefits in early threat detection, helping organizations quickly identify and respond to malicious activity. However, its use must be approached cautiously across the entire security chain.

With the rise of generative AI, industries are applying AI to automate time-consuming tasks. A key benefit is AI’s ability to condense information quickly. Tasks like threat searching or intelligence analysis, which once took hours, can now be completed in minutes, freeing experts to focus on higher-level tasks. This “toil reduction” is vital, as AI automates routine work and creates immediate efficiencies with minimal effort.

While AI brings advantages, there are inherent risks in implementing AI models and infrastructure. It is crucial to approach AI from two perspectives: using it to enhance security while ensuring the security of AI itself.

Organizations must also consider how they can trust AI-generated information. Trust and validation are essential. Provenance—knowing the source of data and models—is key to building confidence. While AI can handle most of the work, experienced engineers and analysts are still needed to verify and analyze the results so security teams can focus on more complex matters.

The siloed nature of work within security operations may limit intelligence sharing. Maintaining control of input data is critical, especially with public models hosted by technology vendors. If training data enters public models, organizations may compromise sensitive information. In regulated environments, private models offer safer options, allowing companies train AI while retaining control.

When integrating AI into security operations, organizations should build trust by validating each use case, allowing AI to be operationalized while ensuring accuracy. Experimentation is key to identifying where AI can provide a return on investment. However, implementing AI requires careful consideration of security models, AI safety and governance, particularly as organizations scale AI into operations.

Unlock the potential of AI to drive innovation and efficiency in Government organizations with Carahsoft’s AI and machine learning portfolio.

Frank Briguglio, Federal CTO at SailPoint, and Fatih Akar, Security Product Manager at VMRay, led the discussion on Zero Trust. Melanie ‘Kyle’ Gingrich, Interim Executive Director at The Cyber AB, provided guidance on navigating CMMC compliance. Josh Lemon, Director of Managed Detection and Response at Uptycs, and Ron Bushar, Managing Director of Mandiant Solutions at Google Public Sector, explored the role of AI in advanced threat detection.

Explore more insightful sessions on how Public Sector cybersecurity teams are strengthening their security posture by watching the SANS 2024 Government Security Forum in partnership with Carahsoft.

The Role of Identity Governance in the Implementation of DoD Instruction 8520.04

Posted on by Frank Briguglio

On September 3, 2024, The Department of Defense (DoD) released Instruction 8520.04, titled “Access Management for DoD Information Systems,” that serves as a foundational policy guiding the secure and efficient management of access to DoD information systems. The instruction mandates protocols for managing access across various environments, including military networks and systems used by both person entities (PEs) and non-person entities (NPEs) such as devices, applications, and automated processes. At the core of this policy is the principle of identity governance, which is essential for ensuring that access to sensitive systems and data is granted, monitored, and revoked based on verified identity attributes and defined security policies.

In the dynamic cybersecurity landscape, the concept of identity governance refers to the frameworks and processes that manage the lifecycle of digital identities. This includes the creation, management, and deletion of user accounts as well as the provisioning and de-provisioning of access rights based on a combination of user attributes, roles, and organizational policies. Identity governance is critical for compliance with the DoD’s Zero Trust Architecture, as outlined in the DoD Zero Trust Strategy. It emphasizes least privilege, continuous verification, and dynamic access control, all of which are key components of DoD Instruction 8520.04.

The policy serves as maturation of the departments ICAM initiatives over the past few years and highlights some key concepts that need to be adopted across the departments ecosystem. Here are some key examples of how identity governance aligns with and strengthens this policy:

1. Access Control and Provisioning

One of the primary elements of identity governance is the effective provisioning and de-provisioning of access. This aligns with Section 4 of DoD Instruction 8520.04, which mandates that access to systems be carefully controlled through explicit or dynamic mechanisms. Explicit access involves manually provisioning access rights to specific users, which must be meticulously documented and approved by system or resource owners. On the other hand, dynamic access relies on real-time attribute verification to grant or deny access based on the most current information available, such as the user’s role, location, or security clearance.

SailPoint Identity Governance for the DoD Blog Embedded Image 2024

Identity governance solutions play a crucial role in these processes by automating provisioning and de-provisioning based on predefined policies. When a user’s role changes or they leave the organization, governance systems automatically adjust access rights, ensuring compliance with de-provisioning requirements. This automatic adjustment helps prevent orphaned accounts—user accounts that are no longer needed or authorized—which can pose serious security risks if left unmanaged.

2. Authoritative Attribute Services

DoD Instruction 8520.04 emphasizes the importance of authoritative attribute services (AAS) in maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and security of identity attributes used in dynamic access decisions. Identity governance frameworks are designed to integrate with these authoritative services, ensuring that identity attributes such as security clearance levels, employment status, and role-based entitlements are accurate and up-to-date. This enables the DoD to enforce dynamic access control based on real-time identity data.

For example, a DoD system that relies on dynamic access might check a user’s current security clearance, job function, or location in real time before granting access to a sensitive file or system, or assign a critical role. These checks are enabled by robust identity governance systems that pull data from authoritative attribute services and apply organizational policies to ensure that access is only granted to those who are fully authorized and meet the predefined criteria.

3. Least Privilege and Separation of Duties (SoD)

The concept of least privilege—granting users the minimum level of access necessary to perform their duties—is another foundational principle of both identity governance and DoD Instruction 8520.04. In Section 4.2 of the instruction, system and IT resource owners are required to document and implement explicit access policies that adhere to least privilege standards. Furthermore, systems must implement SoD controls to prevent a single user from having conflicting roles, such as both creating and approving financial transactions.

Identity governance frameworks are uniquely equipped to manage SoD by automating the assignment of roles and enforcing policies that prevent users from being granted conflicting privileges. Governance solutions continuously monitor user access and provide alerts if SoD violations occur. By integrating these capabilities with the DoD’s access management protocols, identity governance helps ensure that users cannot escalate their privileges or circumvent access controls, thereby reducing the risk of insider threats and security breaches.

4. Continuous Auditing and Compliance

Continuous auditing and monitoring of user access is a critical requirement under DoD Instruction 8520.04, particularly for privileged users. Identity governance solutions enable DoD components to implement robust audit trails that track every access request, change in privileges, and system interaction. This is particularly important for IT privileged users—those with elevated access to critical systems and sensitive data—who require enhanced monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activity.

Through the use of identity governance tools, DoD organizations can enforce periodic access reviews, as mandated by the instruction, to ensure that users only have the access they need and that privileged access is justified and properly documented. These reviews are automated and documented within governance systems, reducing the manual workload on administrators and enhancing the overall security posture by ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

5. Integration with Zero Trust Architecture

The DoD Zero Trust Strategy emphasizes the need for continuous verification of users and devices as they request access to systems and data, rather than assuming trust based on their presence inside the network perimeter. Identity governance systems are integral to the implementation of Zero Trust principles within the DoD, as they enable real-time verification of identity attributes and ensure that access is granted only after all conditions are met.

For instance, an identity governance system might check not only a user’s identity but also their security status, the network they are using, and the time of the access request before enabling access to sensitive data. This multi-layered approach to access control ensures that even if one security measure is compromised, others are in place to protect critical resources.

In Conclusion

Identity governance is a foundational element of the DoD’s efforts to secure access to information systems under DoD Instruction 8520.04. By providing a structured approach to managing digital identities, provisioning access, enforcing least privilege and separation of duties, and maintaining continuous auditing and compliance, identity governance systems enable the DoD to meet the stringent security requirements laid out in the instruction. Furthermore, identity governance is a critical enabler of the DoD’s shift toward a Zero Trust Architecture, ensuring that access to sensitive systems is dynamically controlled based on real-time identity attributes and organizational policies.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the integration of identity governance with access management protocols like those found in DoD Instruction 8520.04 will be crucial in maintaining the security and integrity of the DoD’s information systems and the data they protect.

For a details of how SailPoint Identity Security supports the departments current ICAM and Zero Trust initiatives, and specifically how the capabilities of the platform align with the requirements of the policy, please download the report here.

Software, AI, Cloud and Zero Trust as Top Priorities for the Army and DoD at Large at TechNet Augusta 2023

Posted on by Mike McCalip

Many of the major cybersecurity, data, DevSecOps and other trends from the past couple of years continue to grow and be top priorities for every segment of the Department of Defense (DoD). At TechNet Augusta 2023, Government and industry experts shared the specific needs of their organizations across those areas and solutions to help achieve their goals. The main theme of the event was “Enabling a Data-Centric Army” and expanding those principles and their mobilizing technologies to the entire DoD. For the Army in particular, the shift from hardware to software, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud capabilities and Zero Trust were headlining topics at the conference.

Shifting from Hardware to Software

In an effort to increase agility and expand access to resources, the Army is transitioning its equipment from hardware to software. Amending its materiel release process to decouple software from hardware allows the Army to deploy software outside of the long hardware acquisition cycle. To mobilize this endeavor, the Army Futures Command (AFC), is modifying its software requirements to focus on high-level overviews that are then refined by operators. Alongside this shift, the Army and other departments requested that technology providers ensure that their software solutions integrate with each other. Going forward, the Army also asked industry to provide software that is not tied to specific hardware. This separation will be key to establishing data-centricity. Nearly every speaker echoed the importance of this shift for their departments.

Utilizing AI

With this major transition to a software-heavy environment, Army Chief Data and Analytics Officer David Markowitz believes it will be an ideal use case for generative AI in software development. Having a controlled environment in software development would make it easier to properly govern compared to the complexity of some of the other uses. As AI usage increases across the DoD, military leaders requested industry create AI platforms with layered complexity of features enabling users of any skill level to utilize the technology effectively. In regard to AI applications for data, Army CIO Leonel Garciga stated that additional guidance on “Data Use on Public/Commercial Platforms” would be released soon to clarify its policy. Overall, officials concurred that the DoD is not looking to become 100% reliant on AI aid but instead maximize AI’s strengths to augment human critical thinking and empower commanders to make data-driven decisions.

Enabling Cloud Capabilities

Over the past year, the Army has exponentially increased its cloud migration and virtualized capabilities. Housing information in the cloud optimizes data storage and simplifies ease of access particularly with the increase in data output, and the push for AI data analytics and data-driven decisions. Hybrid cloud solutions offer the readiness, adaptability and duplication of vital information necessary for military operations to continue smoothly in any situation. Currently, DoD leaders seek industry solutions for modernizing and moving applications to the cloud simultaneously. Acquiring technology with this ability would reduce both the security risk and the work required from the military to implement it.

Expanding Zero Trust

Overarching every aspect of the DoD is the critical need for cybersecurity. Garciga plans to emphasize Zero Trust implementation heavily in conjunction with improving user experience and cyber posture. While multi-factor authentication offers a great starting point, military leaders explained that it is not enough and that they look to partner with industry to close virtualization vulnerabilities through continuous monitoring and regular red teaming. At the conference, the Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) outlined seven principles for IT providers to follow for all capabilities they deliver:

Rapidly Patch Software
Assess All Production Code for Security Flaws
Improve Security of Development Networks
Isolate Development Environments from the Internet and from the Vendor Business Network
Implement Development Network Security Monitoring
Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Development Network and Testing Services
Implement Role-based Permissions on Development Network

Empowering DoD Success

A consistent thread woven throughout the event was the vital nature of open communication and partnership between the DoD and technology companies to achieve the established goals. Within each of these areas including the shift from hardware to software, use of AI, cloud capabilities and Zero Trust, the DoD looks to innovate and explore new methods and solutions to stay ahead on the world platform. Together through collaboration, industry can have a vital role in keeping American citizens safe one technology update at a time.

Explore our Federal Defense Technology Solutions Portfolio to learn how Carahsoft can support your organization through innovative, agile defense resources and IT capabilities.

*The information contained in this blog has been written based off the thought-leadership discussions presented by speakers at TechNet Augusta 2023.*