The Top Healthcare IT Events to Watch for in 2024

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From artificial intelligence (AI) to predictive analytics, edge computing, and beyond, healthcare organizations have access to a wealth of technologies that can help improve patient care and clinical performance—and there are many more tools on the horizon. This year’s healthcare IT conferences will be full of valuable insights about how these solutions can lead to better patient outcomes while helping organizations overcome some of the industry’s biggest challenges, including cybersecurity threats, staffing shortages, budget constraints, and more.

Here’s a list of the top healthcare IT events that Carahsoft recommends you check out in 2024. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

MESC

August 12 – 15, Louisville, KY

The Medicaid Enterprise Systems Community (MESC) is a national conference and community for state, federal, and private sector individuals to come together and exchange ideas related to Medicaid systems and health policy affected by those systems. This year’s conference will include a track focused on the relationship of the Medicaid program to healthcare IT, with discussions on using data to improve outcomes, the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), Medicaid claims and health information exchange (HIE) integration, and more.

Visit the Carahsoft booth #542 and check out a speaking session from Rob Courtney, Healthcare CTO at Carahsoft, on August 13th at 3pm.

GovExec Health Summit

August 16, Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center, Reston, VA

We’re thrilled to host this year’s GovExec Health Summit and welcome some of the top voices from both industry and government. This event will bring together healthcare leaders to discuss the tools and strategies they’re using to improve our nation’s healthcare system. They’ll share best practices, reveal their biggest challenges, and talk about the technologies and tactics they’re employing to make healthcare more secure, equitable, affordable, and available to all.

Sponsorships of this event are currently open to Carahsoft vendors. Contact healthcaremarketing@carahsoft.com for more information.

HIMSS AI in Healthcare Fall Forum

September 5 – 6, Boston, MA

HIMSS AI in Healthcare Fall Forum will cut through the AI hype with a comprehensive showcase of real-world examples illustrating the transformative potential of the technology across the healthcare continuum. You’ll learn best practices from industry peers and experts, learn how they use AI to overcome challenges and make their organizations smarter and more efficient, and glean actionable insights that you can use in your own healthcare setting.

Carahsoft is a proud sponsor of this year’s Healthcare Fall Forum and excited to share that our partner, SolarWinds, will be speaking at the event and showcasing at a kiosk.

GovCIO Health IT Summit

September 19, Bethesda, MD

Federal health IT leaders will converge at this year’s GovCIO Summit to discuss the latest developments in public health technology, including electronic health records modernization, emerging technology investments, data interoperability and sharing, and more. As always, the main focus will be on how organizations can run faster and better so they can deliver better services to customers.

Visit some of Carahsoft’s top vendors, including Leidos, ServiceNow, Snowflake and Splunk, to discover how their latest innovations are helping healthcare agencies achieve their mission of providing better and more efficient services to the public. Carahsoft is also looking forward to celebrating the winners of the GovCIO Health IT Flywheel Awards.

HIMSS Cybersecurity Fall Forum

October 31 – November 1, Washington, DC

Healthcare remains one of the most targeted sectors for cybersecurity threats. This year’s HIMSS Cybersecurity Forum will be focused on the tactics needed to combat increasing cybersecurity threats had on, providing best practices for organizations to proactively shield ever-expanding digital footprints. Discussions will center on the latest technologies available to protect data inside and outside enterprise walls.

Carahsoft is a proud partner of this year’s Fall Forum and will share exclusive offers with the company’s partner network ahead of the event.

NCQA Health Innovation Summit

October 31 – November 2, Nashville, TN

The Health Innovation Summit brings together leaders across the healthcare ecosystem to connect with innovators who are advancing healthcare quality through AI, data solutions, and more. This year’s conference will feature more than 60 sessions on topics centered around the themes of Equity, Digital Quality, Behavior Health, and Value-based Care.

Meet with Carahsoft representatives at the Summit and learn how our partners can help your organization meet its IT goals.

CHIME24 Fall Forum

November 5 – 8, San Diego, CA

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives—CHIME—will host its annual Fall Forum, where digital health leaders will brainstorm, problem-solve, and develop initiatives to advance healthcare using the latest tools and resources. This year’s event will include new tracks featuring “Elite Exchanges” with top healthcare IT experts, the “Visionary Voices” of innovation leaders in the field, and even a CHIME Fun Run and Yoga Class.

Carahsoft is holding a focus group, hosted by Lawrence Stowers, Senior Business Development Manager, with one of our vendor partners.

Learn More About Previously Held Events:

229 Project CIO Roundtables

June 27 – 29, Napa, CA

229 Project CIO events are small gatherings of healthcare IT leaders who convene to discuss innovative solutions to the industry’s greatest challenges. This year the 229 Project will host a series of CIO Roundtables. Carahsoft will be there as part of our new and growing partnership with This Week Health, the organization behind the 229 Project.

Meet Carahsoft executives and learn about how technologies like AI, cloud computing, data analytics, and others are helping healthcare organizations deliver better patient care. Carahsoft is also offering sponsorship opportunities to interested vendors. Contact healthcaremarketing@carahsoft.com for more information.

Healthcare has undergone a lot of change over the past couple of years, and this year promises to be no different. New challenges require new strategies and technologies, and each of these events will deliver both. You’ll discover new solutions that will help your agency improve and modernize its service offerings to meet the needs of the moment while driving toward the future.

Please contact us at healthcaremarketing@carahsoft.com to learn more or to get involved in these events. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading healthcare IT solutions, visit our Healthcare portfolio, and for more about Carahsoft events, visit our Government Events page.

Enhancing Federal Customer Experience with Digital Transformation

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In the world of digital transformation within Government agencies, the collaboration between industry partners and Federal entities is critical for driving progress in enhancing the Federal digital experience. Recently, the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) held The Federal Digital Experience Virtual Summit to shed light on the pivotal role that industry plays in supporting Government agencies on their journey towards digital innovation. By emphasizing the need for collaboration, innovation and skill development, these conversations underscored the importance of industry expertise in guiding Government agencies towards effective digital solutions. Key takeaways from the summit are summarized throughout this blog post to provide insights into the evolving landscape of Government digital services. As agencies strive to modernize their digital services and platforms, industry partners, like Carahsoft and our partners, technology vendors, resellers, system integrators, and MSPs, are instrumental in providing the necessary resources, knowledge and solutions to help agencies meet the evolving demands of their users and improve the Customer Experience (CX).

The Importance of Inclusive and Compliant Digital Solutions

A people-first approach is paramount in Government digital services, focusing on the needs of both customers and the Federal workforce. Industry partners engaging with Government agencies must align their technological solutions with this people-centric mindset. Prioritizing user experience (UX) and ensuring that technology serves the needs of all stakeholders is essential for fostering effective digital interactions within the Government ecosystem.

While adopting a mobile-first approach is crucial in today’s digital landscape, accessibility remains a fundamental consideration. Government agencies recognize the importance of catering to individuals who may not have access to mobile devices or prefer alternative communication channels, such as in-person interactions or call centers. Ensuring that digital services are inclusive and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their preferred mode of interaction, is key to promoting equitable access to Government resources and information, as well as providing a means of service outside of digital for those who do not have access.

Federal agencies expect industry partners to demonstrate a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and Government policies, such as the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experiences Act (IDEA), Executive Order 14058, Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government, and specific mandates like M-2322. Industry proposals should reflect a clear alignment with these guidelines and address the unique needs outlined by Government directives. Collaboration between Government agencies and industry partners are linked by a shared commitment to compliance and a mutual understanding of the regulatory framework governing digital initiatives. By proactively incorporating policy requirements into their proposals, industry partners can demonstrate their readiness to support Government agencies in achieving their digital transformation goals.

Enhancing the Federal Digital Experience

Implementing best practices is essential in the realm of Federal digital experience for enhancing user engagement and optimizing service delivery. The following best practices were identified by the speakers that all agencies should be working towards and where the industry should support by supplying guidance and tactical solutions, helping them meet Federal initiatives. One key practice is the importance of the US Web Design System, which promotes a mobile-first approach for Government websites. By prioritizing mobile responsiveness and user-friendly design elements, agencies can ensure that their digital platforms are accessible and intuitive for all users. Leveraging the design system not only fosters consistency across Government websites but also enhances the overall UX, making it easier for individuals to navigate and interact with online Government services.

Another crucial best practice is the enhancement of search functionality for Government websites. By implementing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) methods, agencies can improve search results and make relevant information more easily discoverable for users. Looking ahead, planning for future technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in content delivery can further enhance the search experience, enabling more personalized and efficient access to Government resources. By staying informed of evolving search technologies and incorporating AI-driven solutions, agencies can streamline information retrieval processes and provide users with tailored and relevant content.

Digitization serves as a foundational element for transformation within Federal agencies. Moving towards digital and self-service options for common tasks not only enhances efficiency but also empowers users to access services conveniently. By focusing on structured data and digital interactions, agencies can transform UX, making interactions more intuitive and seamless. Embracing digitization as a bedrock for innovation enables agencies to modernize their service delivery models, reduce operational burdens and adapt to the evolving digital landscape effectively.

Collaboration and Alignment Across Government and Industry

Establishing a dialogue and fostering partnerships between agencies and industry partners can lead to the co-creation of solutions that address the evolving needs of the digital landscape. By working together, stakeholders can leverage their respective expertise and insights to develop innovative strategies and technologies that improve service delivery and user satisfaction. This collaborative approach not only fosters knowledge sharing and best practice exchange but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Government ecosystem. As a call to action, stakeholders are encouraged to join forces and collaborate towards a shared goal of creating a better digital experience for customers and Government employees alike. Stakeholders can collectively drive positive change and shape the future of digital interactions within the Government sector by aligning efforts and working together. Leveraging the federal digital experience guidance provides a clear path forward, offering a roadmap for stakeholders to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and align their initiatives with Government priorities and policies. By adhering to the guidance and embracing a collaborative mindset, Government agencies and industry partners can collectively advance the digital experience landscape, ensuring that services are accessible, user-centric and future-ready.

As agencies like GSA and OMB advocate for a mobile-first strategy, organizations can explore Carahsoft’s portfolio of website modernization and mobile enhancement solutions to align with these initiatives. Carahsoft also features leading solutions from our vendor partners in the digitization of services, such as fortifying public outreach, electronic signatures and accessibility technology, aiding in the modernization journey for agencies to make services simpler and more accessible for users. Customer services are improved through understanding the voice of the customer with analytics and human-centered design. Public outreach is imperative for transparency, gathering and implementing feedback and ultimately building trust between constituents and Government. CX plays a pivotal role in shaping how constituents perceive and interact with civic services, fostering trust and transparency in Government operations.

Carahsoft’s Customer Experience and Engagement portfolio offers a range of industry-leading solutions that enable agencies to analyze and disseminate information securely, improve service efficiency, build trust with constituents and bolster agency reputability. By embracing trusted software solutions from our technology providers, agencies can advance their digital Government services to meet the evolving needs of the public and deliver exceptional experiences that drive positive outcomes for all stakeholders. Carahsoft’s expertise in digitization also extends to social media integration, call center optimization and the implementation of adaptive technology, aligning with diverse needs of Government agencies and their constituents.

GSA and OMB are calling for a people-first approach and Carahsoft has the CX solutions to help your organization meet this initiative. Check out Carahsoft’s portfolio of solutions providers who can support your needs in website modernization and mobile enhancement, digitization of services, customer services, public outreach, social media, electronic signatures, call center, accessibility technology and other CX solutions.

Socure, Okta, and Carahsoft: Pioneering a New Era in Government Identity Verification

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Digital-first experiences are a top priority across every level of government to improve service delivery, simplify user experiences, and rebuild trust with the American public. At the same time, agencies must defend against ever-present threats of identity theft, fraudulent accounts, and account takeovers. That’s why advanced digital Identity verification and strong authentication are essential for modern government services.

At Socure, we are excited to announce a transformative partnership with Okta and Carahsoft Technology Corp., which marks a significant advancement in our mission to enhance digital identity verification across the public sector. This collaboration aims to deliver a FedRAMP & StateRAMP compliant identity solution, ushering in a new era of security and efficiency for federal, state, and local government agencies.

Socure Okta Partnership Identity Management Blog Embedded Image 2024

The integration of Socure’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled ID+ platform with Okta’s adaptive multi-factor authentication, best-in-class compliance and security features, and modern, frictionless cloud infrastructure creates a powerhouse capable of addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by government agencies today—especially in its efforts to combat sophisticated identity fraud. Our joint solutions now offer government agencies at all levels scalable, simple, and secure identity solutions built for the modern era. Achieving accurate and inclusive digital identity verification is critical to accelerating government service delivery for vital programs.

Digital transformation in government services is not just about upgrading technology—it’s about ensuring that these technologies offer secure, seamless, and inclusive access to the public. This is where our partnership becomes crucial. Socure’s ID+ platform, recognized for its high accuracy and inclusivity in identity verification, complements Okta’s expertise in secure access and adaptive multi-factor authentication. Together, we are setting new standards for what digital interactions in the public sector should look like.

Our joint solution provides government agencies with tools that are not only top-notch in security but also designed to enhance the user experience. By reducing friction and simplifying processes, we make it easier for the public to access vital services, from social benefits to healthcare, without compromising on security. This approach helps to build a stronger, more trusting relationship between the government and the public, which is essential in today’s digital age. We recently produced a joint webinar in which you can listen to the recording here.

For example, Socure’s predictive analytics platform goes beyond traditional identity checks by analyzing a broad range of data points, from physical documents to digital footprints. This allows for real-time verification that is both thorough and efficient. Okta’s Universal Directory and Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication add another layer of security, ensuring that only legitimate users can access sensitive information.

At a time when digitizing benefits delivery is needed to reach large subsets of the population and bolstering public trust in government services is paramount, these solutions work together to provide key benefits, including:

  • Auto-approval of more eligible individuals (98% for mainstream populations and up to 94% for hard-to-identify populations, including Gen Z, millennial and new-to-country individuals)
  • More effective fraud prevention, capturing 90% of third-party identity fraud in the riskiest 3% of users
  • Reduction of manual reviews with fully automated identity verification and fraud prevention, with a response in milliseconds
  • Fast time-to-value with easy, secure connections across a variety of applications and on the cloud
  • Comprehensive approach to security with audited infrastructure and process
  • Reduction of the burden of password management with simple, passwordless MFA options
  • A variety of flexible authentication options that nearly everyone can use

By pooling our capabilities, we will help reduce the cost, burden, and friction generated by today’s pervasive attacks and deliver a better consumer experience without making it harder for people to interact with government services.

Watch our webinar to learn more about how successfully verifying identity requires a multi-layered approach.

Seamlessly Enhance Accessibility in CX Through Communication

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To provide comprehensive, seamless and fulfilling customer experience (CX), agencies must listen to customer feedback. Part of the Federal Government’s current CX initiatives, inspired by the President’s Management Agenda Executive Order Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government and 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA), focuses on improving the digital experience of Government customers. Agencies with public-facing services that were designated as High-Impact Service Providers (HISPs) follow the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s guidance to move services online. By highlighting customer feedback and utilizing technology to improve service delivery, agencies can make strides to improve their CX.

Where To Start

Improving CX should be faced with a rigorous, multi-channeled approach. For many agencies, the renewal of their services will take 2-3 years, if not longer. Strategies for reshaping CX will vary among agencies, as certain stages in their journey will be specific to their needs. However, on a broad organizational level, there are a few main steps agencies can take. Initial goals manifest as process mapping. This critical step can help agencies understand what Federal programs are asking of them, and what they need to do to improve their agency. Next, agencies should establish a robust feedback process. To improve customer service, agencies must gather information through surveys to understand the wants and needs of the constituents they serve. Specific milestones along this process can include encouraging agency employees to work with customers directly or acclimating them to new services or applications. Some agencies will work primarily online. After recording what resources, portals and technical assistances exist, as well as what improvements need to be made, agencies should begin refining their CX strategies. Across all Federal agencies, design should be seamless and accessible.

Technology and CX, Hand In Hand

Adobe HISP Customer Experience Series Blog Embedded Image 2024

When improving CX, agencies should integrate technology into their feedback process. Technologies such as clear and readable dashboards, analytics campaigns and automation can enable employees to read and acknowledge all feedback received. Once employees analyze feedback, they will be empowered to implement necessary changes vital to both employee and customer happiness. Empowerment can come in the form of setting up IT teams with employees at all levels of the company, granting and delegating capabilities to experts. Driving improvements in CX can look like implementing customer-facing services. With call centers, chat bots, community centers and more, agencies must consider how their services are being utilized and whether they are optimized. The strategy behind the service is just as important as the service offered.

Oftentimes, customers are not compelled to respond to paper or virtual surveys. Sending employees out into the field to and provide a face-to-face, personable interaction and garner real-time reactions can help gather a response from a larger sample. With the usage of analytics programs, agencies can track how many outreach efforts it takes to get responses to online initiatives, as well as the time spent on those responses.

Equity and Accessibility

The equity and accessibility of their customers are imperative for agencies considering enhancing their CX capabilities. Public-facing services reach millions of customers, and therefore, need to be accessible to a variety of different people. For example, even some smaller states feature citizens with more than 95 different languages. To communicate with everyone, agencies can provide language services. When crafting statements, reaching people of different education levels must be accounted for as well. Websites, pitches or pamphlets that explain service access should be clear and concise. Regardless of socioeconomic status or location, every customer deserves access to Government resources. While many aspects of Government services have moved online, not everyone has access to stable internet or a device. Therefore, agencies should consider physical centers or kiosks at community centers. Additionally, experiences should be consistent across these diverse backgrounds. All customer service should be thoughtful and considerate. Agencies need to understand their respective compliance and accessibility standards. Offering audio provisions on websites and closed captions on videos can help reach a wider audience as well.

Adobe works from the omni-channel experience to set a higher standard for the digital experience in Government. By working directly with clients, Adobe can help stakeholders and vendors to champion their customer service.

To learn more about how Adobe is setting a higher standard for CX in Federal Government, watch their interview with Federal News Network on implementing feedback to improve customer service.

The 10 Cybersecurity Events for Government in 2024

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In the fast-paced world of Cybersecurity, staying ahead of evolving threats and industry trends is paramount for Government agencies and the ecosystem that supports them. From in-depth discussions on certification processes to cutting-edge solutions for modern cyber threats, Carahsoft and our partners’ cybersecurity events promise to provide valuable insights, networking opportunities and practical strategies for enhancing Government cybersecurity posture.  
 
Join us as we delve into cybersecurity excellence and empower Government entities to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and resilience. 

Public Sector Day at RSA Conference 

May 6 | San Francisco, CA 

Attendees joined us for our 11th Annual Public Sector Day event at RSA Conference. They heard from pioneering figures in Government as they shared their perspectives on the forefront cybersecurity challenges facing the Public Sector. As cyber threats continue to challenge all levels of Government, attendees learned how Government and industry are working together to protect communities at all levels from ransomware, thefts of data, election security challenges and attacks on critical infrastructure. Carahsoft was proud to host this event for our 11th year. We will be back in 2025 in San Francisco and hope to see you there! Access our podcast series for a recap of the sessions and discover how to protect your organization’s sensitive information by leveraging compliant cloud authentication services.  

AFCEA TechNet Cyber 2024 

June 25-27 | Baltimore, MD 

A flagship event, AFCEA’s TechNet Cyber serves as a center of gravity for a whole-of-government effort to bring together the policy, strategic architecture, operations and C2 – along with the joint capabilities – needed to meet the global security challenges and successfully operate in a digital environment. Join us in Baltimore and be part of the conversation led by U.S. Cyber Command, DISA, the DoD CIO and numerous industry and academia partners to deliver solutions for this enduring, no-fail mission. Carahsoft will host a pavilion on the exhibit floor that features more than 50 of our technology partners showcasing a range of cybersecurity solutions. Visit our website for more information! 

2024 SANS Government Solutions Forum  

July 25 | Online 

Government agencies face a continuing stream of legislative, executive and oversight recommendations, constantly keeping teams and technologies on their toes. This SANS Government Security Forum equips Public Sector cybersecurity teams with the essential knowledge to address these challenges and modern threats head-on. Carahsoft has partnered with SANS to host this event for our third year in a row. Hear from Government and industry leaders on the latest in cybersecurity. 

DOE Cybersecurity and Innovation Conference 

July 29 – August 1 | Dallas, TX 

Carahsoft is proud to be a sponsor of the DOE Cybersecurity and Innovation Conference. This event will explore the developments and challenges in cybersecurity, technology innovation, workforce development, and critical infrastructure protection. Speakers and attendees will include top thought leaders from across the DOE enterprise, the federal interagency, academia, international partners, and private industry leaders for thoughtful conversations about cybersecurity, modernizing IT and OT environments and solutions, sharing tools, data management, technology, and best practices with the energy industry, and developing technical solutions to meet national challenges. 

Carahsoft will have a booth on the exhibit floor that features and handful of our technology partners showcasing a range of cybersecurity solutions. We will also host a networking happy hour on July 30th from 7:30 – 9:30 pm CST. Stay tuned for more information! 

Black Hat USA 2024 

August 3-8 | Las Vegas, NV 

Now in its 27th year, Black Hat USA returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas with a six-day program. The event will open with four days of specialized cybersecurity trainings with courses for all skill levels. The two-day main conference (August 7-8) will feature more than 100 selected briefings, dozens of open source tool demos in Arsenal, a robust Business Hall, networking and social events and much more.  
 
Carahsoft is pleased to host a networking reception for our vendor partners and their customers. Join us for food, drinks and networking!  

Billington CyberSecurity Summit 2024 

September 3-6 | Washington, D.C. 

Join over 2,500 attendees and 200+ top speakers participating in more than 40 sessions and breakouts at the leading Government cybersecurity summit. Hear from speakers with years of experience in mitigating cyber threats, offering valuable insights. Government, military, nonprofit, academia and industry thought leaders will present major cyber trends and discuss solutions for current field issues. Carahsoft and more than 50 partners will showcase a full range of cybersecurity solutions in our partner pavilion on the show floor. Register Now. 

The National Cyber Summit 

September 24-26 | Huntsville, AL 

National Cyber Summit is the nation’s most innovative cybersecurity technology event, offering unique educational, collaborative and workforce development opportunities for industry visionaries and rising leaders. NCS offers a cyber conference with diverse focus-areas, premier speakers and unmatched accessibility focused on education, collaboration and innovation.  
 
Visit Carahsoft at our booth on the show floor and explore our CMMC Solutions Showcase. 

Carahsoft Cyber Leaders Exchange 

October 1-2 | Online 

Discover how agencies are leading the way as the Government “fundamentally re-imagines America’s cyber social construct”. During this exclusive two-day virtual event, Federal News Network and Carahsoft will sit down with cyber leaders and experts to dive deep into efforts across Government to bring the White House vision to life and strengthen Federal cyber capabilities. Tune in for multiple sessions featuring some of our leading technology partners.   

Innovate Cybersecurity Summit 

October 6-8 | Scottsdale, AZ 

Powered by the collective knowledge of cybersecurity executives, practitioners and cutting-edge solution providers, Innovate Cybersecurity Summit is the premier resource for CISO education and collaboration. The Reverse Expo, a featured session, is a highly interactive engagement model and a refreshing way for technology vendors to meet with attendees. Carahsoft is a premier sponsor of the event and will have a partner pavilion featuring some of our leading cybersecurity partners as well as networking events throughout the summit. 

Carahsoft Cybersmart Series: State and Local Government 

November 7 | Austin, TX  

Carahsoft has partnered with FedInsider for a series highlighting and discussing topics on cyber in Government. Join us to hear cyber experts in State and Local organizations discuss the latest cybersecurity threats to the Public Sector and what steps State and Local agencies are taking to protect against them. This year’s half-day event focuses on how the release of AI into the broader computing environment is affecting cybersecurity strategies across the Public Sector. Collaborate with peers, thought leaders and key partners in Austin or watch the panel discussions online in a follow-up webinar!  

Do not miss out on the opportunity to engage with industry experts, explore innovative solutions and network with like-minded professionals at our 2024 events. Secure your spot today and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your organization’s critical assets in an ever-evolving cyber landscape. Together, let us strengthen our cybersecurity defenses and pave the way for a more resilient Government cybersecurity ecosystem.  

To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us at CyberSecurity@carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading Cybersecurity technology partners’ events, visit our Cybersecurity Solutions Portfolio and Cyber Events page. 

Rethinking and Modernizing the ATO Approval Process

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The path to securing Authorization to Operate (ATO) approval presents a myriad of challenges, such as complex regulations, the potential for human error and the constant threat of cyberattacks. The role of an Authorized Official (AO) necessitates both speed and thoroughness to ensure an organization’s risk is minimized while also safeguarding sensitive information. Traditional manual, point-in-time assessments are proving insufficient, resulting in significant security risks. As digital transformation accelerates in both the Government and Private Sector, regulatory compliance requirements have also increased, yet the tools and processes used to meet these standards fall behind. This disconnect poses a challenge for AOs, underscoring the urgent need for innovation in the ATO approval journey.

Preventing Compliance Drift

RegScale Modernizing ATO Approvals Webinar Recap Embedded Image Blog 2024

To stay ahead of the threats against the nation while simultaneously reducing the friction and corrosion in the compliance process, a proactive approach of implementing necessary measures and safeguards before they are mandated by regulatory requirements is essential. As Brandt Keller, Software Engineer at Defense Unicorns, stated during a recent webinar discussing the ATO approval process, “New technologies are coming, and we need to implement them and understand what they do, how they do it and what controls they do or do not satisfy.” The role of compliance within the DevSecOps process is pivotal, especially when switching from one technology to another. This decision must consider how the change impacts compliance, as the environment shift can alter the ATO posture. Such changes may result in drift or even expose the system to malicious actors seeking to escalate privileges or perform unauthorized actions. While compliance and security are often viewed as separate processes, they can and should be integrated to provide an additional layer of defense.

Preventing drift in IT systems is a crucial aspect of maintaining continuous compliance. AOs must actively collect and report data to accurately reflect the current state of their systems. Leveraging open standards on a platform is essential for effectively utilizing data. To achieve this, AOs need reliable methods for producing and regularly assessing data. Building a system from the ground up with compliance in mind involves meticulously implementing and automating controls that can be rerun consistently. The process must be both repeatable—able to redo tasks—and reproducible—able to collect evidence and achieve the same results. Any deviation indicates a potential issue, a change or an environmental modification that has made it less compliant. This approach allows AOs to confidently attest that their ATO meets all required controls and prevents any drift.

Implementing Automation

Automating processes within DevSecOps pipelines has emerged as a pivotal strategy, particularly streamlining compliance checks before system deployment. This approach allows decision-makers to assess risk before a system is even deployed. Moreover, the ability to continuously evaluate and update data in real time enhances accuracy and ensures timely access to critical information. However, accessibility of data remains a challenge due to the number of disconnected environments in existence. Open standards such as OSCAL solve this problem by providing a unified framework for continuous data integration. By adopting platforms that adhere to open standards, organizations can foster innovation and empower AOs with data in a familiar and actionable format, thereby optimizing efficiency and bolstering security measures.

ATO Risk Management Framework (RMF) artifacts represented in OSCAL machine-readable formats break down information silos, achieving effective communication across teams and facilitating seamless data handoffs. Automation is pivotal in expediting the decision-making process, alleviating the burden on the human workforce, enabling AOs to access better-quality data and making risk-based decisions more efficiently. While the potential for error is still present, automation significantly mitigates human error in data handoffs across all controls and systems. It also helps security professionals focus on managing risk rather than completing rudimentary compliance tasks.

Automating technical and administrative controls is not the same. While traditional approaches rely on application programming interface (API) data, nontraditional methods such as infrastructure as code (IaC)—managing computing infrastructure through provisioning scripts—or compliance as code—managing regulatory requirements by encoding them into automated scripts or code—offer alternative paths. These approaches allow organizations to establish rules and apply validations programmatically, mirroring the precision and speed of technical controls. However, not all controls are created equal; some function as checkboxes without mitigating risks. The critical controls that significantly impact an environment’s security posture should be the priority for automation. As emphasized by Travis Howerton, Co-founder and CEO at RegScale, “it is less important what percent of total controls are covered than what percentage of your total risk you are mitigating with automation.”

The cadence mismatch between cyber threats that move at lightspeed, and heavily manual compliance processes must be fixed. “The big part of what has to modernize,” according to Howerton, “is taking more automated approaches, leveraging advances in technology and thought leaders in this space to figure out how we can do things in a more automated manner to bring the principles of DevSecOps to compliance.” This strategic focus will ensure thorough and repeatable processes and prepare AOs for a future where compliance and security are dynamically intertwined, ultimately supporting better risk-based decisions and unlocking the full potential of digital transformation. By accepting early that ATOs should be more real-time and continuous, AOs can better position themselves for the future.

Watch RegScale and Carahsoft’s webinar, AO Perspectives: Managing Risks and Streamlining ATO Decision-Making, to learn more about modernizing the ATO approval process.

The Secret Behind High Performing Teams in Public Sector

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Using Atlassian, small agile teams across the DoD and Federal Government are breaking down bureaucracy and putting knowledge into the hands of users. Atlassian’s Jira Service Management and Confluence are two powerful tools from Atlassian’s suite. They synergize to enhance both task management and knowledge continuity within any organization. Read on to learn how they function together, boosting efficiency and providing an accessible platform for both rapid action and deep learning.

Jira Service Management: The Empowerment Hub

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Jira Service Management (JSM) is a dynamic, intuitive tool for service management, perfect for teams that need to respond quickly to requests or incidents. It acts as the front line for all queries and issues, where users can submit tickets for technical problems, service requests, or operational needs. The system’s user-friendly design ensures that even non-technical users can easily navigate its interface to find help or request services. This accessibility empowers all users by simplifying the engagement process with essential services, making it quicker and more intuitive to get the help they need or initiate processes.

Confluence: The Knowledge Base

Confluence complements JSM by serving as a comprehensive repository for organizational knowledge. It’s where all documentation – ranging from service manuals, troubleshooting guides, project reports, to meeting notes – is stored and managed. The platform is robust and versatile, supporting rich text content, multimedia, and dynamic content. It also features powerful search tools and a hierarchical structure that helps users easily find and access the information they need.

Better Together

When JSM and Confluence are used together, they create a cohesive environment that supports both immediate problem-solving and long-term knowledge management:

  • Integrated Service and Knowledge Delivery: As users report issues or request services through JSM, they can be directly linked to relevant Confluence pages where guides, troubleshooting steps, or policy documents are stored. This speeds up resolution times by empowering users to help themselves and ensures they are guided by the most current and comprehensive information.
  • Feedback Loop for Continuous Improvement: Insights and data from JSM can be used to update and refine the knowledge articles in Confluence. Common issues identified in JSM can be addressed in how-to guides or FAQs in Confluence, creating a feedback loop that continually enriches the organizational knowledge base.
  • Organizational Learning and Memory: Confluence ensures that solutions and information aren’t just shared in the moment but are stored for future reference. This helps build an “organizational memory,” crucial for training new staff and learning from past incidents.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Both tools enhance teamwork by keeping everyone on the same page. While JSM facilitates the management of tasks and tracking of progress on projects or issues, Confluence ensures that all team members have access to the same background information, guidelines, and resources.

Together, Jira Service Management and Confluence not only streamline workflows but also ensure that knowledge is preserved and leveraged effectively, creating a more informed, responsive, and efficient organization.

Access the case study and learn more about how Atlassian and Contegix can support your organization’s learning management efforts and discover your team’s digital potential.

Modernizing Government Workflows: A Path to Digital Transformation

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State and local government agencies face numerous challenges in delivering efficient services, managing legacy systems, and attracting new talent. Digital transformation can revolutionize government operations, streamline citizen services, enhance workflow capability, maximize ROI, and attract a younger workforce. Jira Service Management (JSM) can be an effective tool in this move to updated systems.

Streamline Citizen Services: Efficiency and Backlog Reduction

Delivering efficient citizen services and reducing backlogs are critical priorities for government agencies. Digital tools can significantly enhance these processes, making it easier to manage requests and deliver timely services. JSM fully supports these solutions, offering a unified platform that increases collaboration and provides powerful analytics.

Solution Areas

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  • Unified Service Management: Implementing a single platform to consolidate various service management tools reduces complexity and improves efficiency. This allows staff to focus on delivering high-quality services rather than managing multiple systems.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Centralizing service requests, incident management, and project tracking enhances communication and breaks down departmental silos, ensuring information flows freely across departments.
  • Real-Time Insights: Robust reporting and analytics provide real-time insights into operations. Customizable dashboards offer visibility into key metrics, enabling informed decision-making and proactive issue resolution.

From Legacy to Digital: Modernize Government Workflows

Transitioning from legacy systems to digital solutions is crucial for improving workflow efficiency and service delivery. Jira Service Management supports this transition by providing an integrated platform that increases visibility and simplifies operations.

Solution Areas

  • Integrated Digital Platform: Consolidating various service management processes into an integrated digital platform ensures seamless data flow and fosters collaboration across departments, breaking down technology silos.
  • Enhanced Organizational Visibility: Robust reporting and analytics features offer real-time insights into service performance. Customizable digital dashboards help monitor key metrics and track the progress of initiatives, enhancing organizational visibility and informed decision-making.
  • Simplified Operations: Integrating digital tools and systems reduces the need for multiple products, streamlining workflows and reducing the administrative burden on IT staff.

Maximize ROI: Affordability and Value

Investing in a service management platform that offers exceptional ROI and affordability is essential for government agencies. Jira Service Management stands out as a cost-effective solution that maximizes ROI and offers seamless integration.

Solution Areas

  • Cost-Effective Management: Digital solutions provide a cost-effective service management approach with transparent and competitive pricing. By consolidating multiple tools into one platform, agencies can reduce licensing fees and maintenance costs.
  • Streamlined Processes: Automation and integration capabilities streamline processes, saving time and reducing errors. Simplified processes result in better productivity and resource allocation.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Real-time reporting and analytics features provide visibility into operations, enabling informed decision-making and proactive issue resolution.
  • Scalability and Integration: Seamless integration with other tools simplifies IT infrastructure and reduces complexity. Scalability allows the platform to grow with the agency’s needs without requiring costly upgrades.

Attract New Talent with Digital Transformation

Digital transformation not only improves operational efficiency but also creates an appealing work environment for the next generation of professionals. Jira Service Management contributes to creating a modern, collaborative environment that attracts and retains young talent.

Solution Areas

  • Modern Work Environment: Digital tools create a dynamic and tech-savvy work environment that appeals to younger professionals who are accustomed to modern technology.
  • Flexible Work Options: Digital solutions enable remote work and flexible schedules, highly valued by younger employees seeking work-life balance.
  • Skill Development and Career Growth: A digitally transformed workplace provides continuous learning opportunities and access to cutting-edge tools, supporting career growth for younger professionals.
  • Collaborative Culture: Digital tools facilitate cross-departmental collaboration, fostering an inclusive and team-oriented culture.
  • Innovation and Creativity: Digital transformation encourages innovation and creativity, providing the tools and resources needed to implement new ideas.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined digital workflows and automated processes reduce administrative burdens.

Digital transformation, powered by JSM, offers state and local agencies a pathway to streamline citizen services, modernize workflows, maximize ROI, and attract younger talent. By addressing common challenges and leveraging digital solutions, agencies can enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and create a modern, appealing work environment.

Schedule a demo today and start your digital transformation journey today with Jira Service Management to unlock the full potential of your agency.

Enabling the Mobile Workforce With Secure Forms and Electronic Signatures

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In this era of a largely remote and globally distributed workforce, where most workers want to be productive wherever they are — and on any device — it’s crucial to secure every endpoint from any threat that could compromise the security, prosperity, and integrity of an organization and its critical infrastructure. This is particularly true for governments and regulated industries.

Secure Forms for Productivity and Security

Forms are essential to all organizations, as they are a part of all important business processes, and a vital element of the customer journey. Forms are essential to collect information, progress the next best action, and deliver services. As with any heavily relied-on technology, forms’ security must be top of mind. Traditionally, the answer to this demand has been to gate our most mission-critical forms and documents behind cumbersome desktop technology. In this way, stakeholders had peace of mind that the verification of signature authenticity, and document chain-of-custody, could be protected and maintained.

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However, today’s workforce demands more options. Modern technology enables forms, and their connected digital document workflows, to deliver an optimized and personalized experience for the user — all while maintaining strong authentication, privacy, security, and adherence to data governance policies. As organizations continue to accommodate increasingly complex models for remote productivity, digital document workflows must flex with the times. They must be designed, deployed, and dispatched using intuitive interfaces and automation, across a wide range of mobile devices.

BlackBerry and Adobe: Innovation for Secure Mobile Productivity

To accomplish this forms maturity journey, BlackBerry and Adobe have partnered to deliver an innovative and secure digital document-signing solution, for governments and regulated industries. By combining BlackBerry Unified Endpoint Manager (UEM) and Adobe Experience Manager Forms, the two industry leaders have created a solution that is designed for mobile devices, yet still meets the rigorous security standards required by governments and the world’s most demanding enterprises.

This partnership between BlackBerry and Adobe enables the following outcomes:

  • It’s now possible to fill and sign forms with a smart card (i.e., CAC, PIV) easily and securely, from any device, anywhere, without requiring a VPN (virtual private network)
  • Automatically maintain verified credentials in a secure keystore
  • Granular management and document tracking capabilities are backed by the most trusted and reliable security in the market
  • Employees can leave sensitive desktop computing technology behind, at home or the office, minimizing security risks while enhancing user convenience

BlackBerry UEM leverages private key certificates to secure the connection to Adobe Experience Manager Forms, allowing employees to complete and sign forms and other documents from anywhere, on their corporate-issued or BYO (bring your own) mobile devices, and without a VPN.

Leveraging Security as a Strategic Enabler for Productivity

Enhancing productivity requires adopting dynamic, responsive, and mobile-friendly forms solutions that are easy to use. Adobe Experience Manager Forms embraces this, while enabling organizations to modernize their data capture and digital document workflows into a seamless, agile user experience. It allows users to capture data and authenticated signatures, and integrates into back-end systems to automate manual workflows. Adobe Experience Manager Forms also allows users to move away from paper or static PDF forms, while also embracing multiple benefits, including:

  • Responsive modern forms: Embrace operational modernization with mobile responsive, web-based forms, on any device, at any point in the discovering, filing, and signing process.
  • Scalable authoring: With the ability to create reusable sections and templates, and an easy drag-and-drop interface, Adobe Experience Manager Forms allows organizations to streamline business processes across the enterprise at scale.
  • Meaningful customer conversations: Powerful data integrations with pre-fill and multi-language support automatically personalize forms and communications, and trigger the next-best action.
  • Automation: Adobe Experience Manager Forms enables you to start on one device, then save and resume on another, to make end-to-end customer journeys faster. This reduces cost and saves time. Mobile and web-based forms combined with smart, certificate-based signature tools and automated workflows, help eliminate paper and laborious manual processes.

These outcomes, which have previously been considered out of reach for governments and regulated industries, are made possible by the best-of-breed security, and intuitive user experience, of BlackBerry UEM.

Awarded the most government security certifications of any unified endpoint manager, and approved for both classified and unclassified use, BlackBerry UEM is trusted by organizations around the world. Customers that trust BlackBerry UEM to keep them always-on, and securely connected, include the federal governments of numerous countries around the world, including the Canadian and U.S. governments, and many of the largest and most prestigious players in the global financial services industry. Announced earlier this year, BlackBerry UEM was named a 2023 Customers’ Choice for unified endpoint management tools on Gartner® Peer Insights™ — the only UEM tool to receive the distinction this year.

Digital document workflows should not be limited to desktop environments. Business value can no longer be delayed or denied by lack of mobile support for securely completing and signing electronic documents. Productivity must not come at the cost of security. The innovative partnership between BlackBerry and Adobe holds the answer.

Contact a member of our team today to learn more about how, together, BlackBerry and Adobe can help modernize your organization with the most secure forms and electronic signature technologies.

Google and Okta Partner to Modernize Identity Management in Higher Education

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Online collaboration is an essential part of the workplace and the educational sphere. To ensure this collaboration is done securely, Okta and Google have partnered to enhance and automate identity management at scale.

Okta is a neutral, AI powered, extensive platform that puts identity at the heart of any IT stack. No matter the industry, use case or level of support needed, Okta facilitates Identity Access Management (IAM) while keeping security at the core of the integration. Google Workspace is a collection of collaboration tools, and with more than three billion users, it aims to meaningfully connect users to facilitate partnerships and growth. While identity management can be complex, it does not need to be. Together, this partnership makes the path towards modern identity management as neutral, simple, secure and straightforward as possible.

With their recent partnership, customers can now:

  • Automate identity processes at scale
  • Unlock productivity with optimal security
  • Collaborate with each other, seamlessly and securely
  • Use their Google credentials across over 7,500 different apps
  • Gain cross-platform login privileges across Google Workspace and Okta
  • Access accounts with new, simplified user permissions and automated access management

Every organization strives to modernize and adopt cloud technology. This is also true within the higher education market, which is continuing to refine the trend of remote and hybrid learning following the pandemic. The applications and resource solutions that Google provides to higher education, along with the integration of Okta’s IAM capabilities, is immensely beneficial to the agency’s journey in adapting modern cloud technology and security.

Leading the Modernization of Identity Management in Education

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With the influx of hybrid and online learning, higher educational institutions are still learning how to orient solutions towards online learning and teaching. From an IAM perspective, higher education is one of the most complex environments with regards to the vast array of users. Within one network, an institution has faculty, staff, professors and a yearly lifecycle of students that range from applicants to alumni. The process of onboarding and offboarding students and faculty can be time consuming and requires multiple digital programs to facilitate. Okta provides a frictionless onboarding and offboarding experience for administrations that deal with changes in the student body. There are also external users such as partners, contractors and subcontractors, such as medical centers and food providers, that universities must consider. Okta’s open, neutral and independent identity platform can integrate with technologies commonly used by institutions, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Student Information System (SIS), allowing universities to build off of software they are already using. Depending on the role of the individual accessing the software, the identity gains access to personalized experiences.

Okta offers the capability to combine and manage various groups and processes in a single, secure platform. The partnership between Okta and Google enhances the student experience from their perspective, too. Okta’s single platform can solve student-specific challenges, such as managing multiple accounts and logins across an array of learning tools, enabling smoother daily operations and access. With cross platform log in, students can securely access Google Chatroom and Classroom features with IAM capabilities. By implementing Google Cloud capabilities into daily functions, higher education institutions can create a more modern experience for students while reducing costs. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) virtual agents are used to answer student questions and direct them to services, and mobile apps are utilized for mental health check-ins and other well-being services.

How Okta and Google uphold Zero Trust and Cybersecurity

Identity is one of the key pillars within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)’s Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). Okta upholds Zero Trust principles by ensuring that through methods such as multi factor authentication, the person gaining access is who they say they are. By only allowing access to devices that are up to date, Okta prevents bad actors from hacking older systems with commonly known security vulnerabilities. By sustaining a strong ZTA baseline, Google and Okta establish a secure experience for students, staff and faculty.

Okta gives customers a neutral, powerful and extensible platform that puts identity at the heart of information technology (IT) stacks. No matter what industry, use case or level of support is needed, Okta has customers covered. Okta and Google integrate with technology partners, alliance partners and vendors to uphold and exemplify security principles. In doing so, they ensure that every user on campus networks are safe and secure.

To learn more about Okta and Google’s partnership and the benefits to cloud and IAM security, visit the Carahsoft-hosted webinar on the company’s newfound partnership: Securing Productivity with Google Workspace + Okta.

Contact our Okta solutions experts today to discover the power of Okta and Google together, and how these industry leading organizations can support your higher education initiatives.