Critical Infrastructure in Cybersecurity: Innovation for the Transportation Sector

Posted on by Alex Whitworth

In 2021, the presidential administration passed the National Security Memorandum on Improving Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Control Systems, aiming to bolster the cybersecurity posture of critical infrastructure in the United States. Various agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), have been working to continuously improve the security of the transportation sector, which oversees the movement of people and goods across the country.

The Transportation Sector

Within the transportation sector, initiatives have been taken to help fund cybersecurity improvements in an array of subsectors. The transportation sector includes:

Aviation: Approximately 450 commercial airports, 19,000 airfields, air traffic control systems, heliports, landing strips, joint-use military airports, sea plane bases, manned and unmanned recreational aircraft and flight schools^[1]
Highway and motor carriers: Managing roadways, bridges, tunnels and commercial vehicles such as motorcoaches and school buses traffic management systems
The maritime transportation system: Approximately 95,000 miles of coastline, 361 ports and over 10,000 miles of navigable waterways
Mass transit and passenger rail: Terminals, operational systems, transit buses, monorails, trolleys and rideshares
Pipeline systems: Carriers of natural gas, hazardous liquids and various chemicals
Freight rail: Major carriers, smaller, active railroads, freight cars and locomotives
Postal and shipping: Regional and local couriers, mail management firms, charters and delivery services^[2]

Security Directives

Due to persistent threats to the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, including the transportation sector, the TSA issued multiple security directives for various transportation types, including railways and pipelines. These new directives require agencies to develop approved implementation plans that will help improve cybersecurity resilience, proactively assess the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures and prevent the deterioration of infrastructure.

The directive also requires that entities regulated by the TSA proactively work to implement amendments in the directive, including to:

Develop network segmentation policies so that Operational Technology (OT) can continue working, even when compromised
Prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure systems by enabling control access measures
Identify vulnerabilities and implement security patches for operating systems, applications, drivers and firmware to reduce the risk of exploitation
Detect malicious software and unauthorized access on Information Technology (IT) or OT systems and report designated incidents to CISA
Isolate infected systems from uninfected systems to limit the spread of malware, deny further access and to preserve evidence of compromise^[3]

A similar initiative, introduced by the DOT in 2022, aims to improve security awareness amongst employees. All DOT network users are required to complete the DOT’s Security Awareness Training, which is inspired by various federal requirements and the DOT Order on Department Cybersecurity Policy. The training measures employees’ knowledge in cybersecurity, including password and PIN protection and basic security for information systems.^[4]

By striving to improve the security posture of the transportation sector, the TSA, DOT and CISA endeavor to protect the safety of the nation.

Cybersecurity Funding for the Future

The DOT has also introduced measures to improve the national security posture. To leverage funding from bipartisan infrastructure, the U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced up to $45 million in grants for various University Transportation Centers (UTC). These grants will be utilized to improve the cybersecurity resilience of agencies affiliated with roads, bridges, rail, shipping and airspace. One of these grants will go to Clemson University to lead a consortium focused on cybersecurity research and development. Another of these grants will go to Prairie View A&M University to improve technology in the transportation system, including data related to artificial intelligence and environmental resilience.^[5]

Ever since the Colonial Pipeline attack of 2021, as well as other attacks on the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure of the United States, various agencies have done their part to improve the nation’s security. Through CISA’s hard work to create cybersecurity guidelines and cross-sector performance goals and the Federal Government’s generous grants, the nation’s critical infrastructure is postured to increase security and resolve potential crises.

This blog is the final installment in our four-part series, which examines cybersecurity initiatives inspired by The White House’s National Security Memorandum. The first three parts covered the basics of critical infrastructure cybersecurity, an overview of the Water and Wastewater Sector, and an overview of the Electric and Utility Sector.

To learn more about how agencies can bolster their cybersecurity efforts within critical infrastructure, visit Carahsoft’s Cybersecurity Solutions Portfolio.

Resources:

[1] “National Infrastructure Protection Plan,” Transportation Systems Sector, https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/nipp_transport.pdf

[2] “Transportation Systems Sector,” Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, https://www.cisa.gov/topics/critical-infrastructure-security-and-resilience/critical-infrastructure-sectors/transportation-systems-sector

[3] “Security Directives and Emergency Amendments,” Transportation Security Administration, https://www.tsa.gov/sd-and-ea

[4] “FY 2022 Department of Transportation Security Awareness Training,” Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/fy-2022-department-transportation-security-awareness-training

[5] “U.S. Department of Transportation Funds Innovative Research Providing Vital Training for Next Generation of Transportation Leaders,” U.S. Department of Transportation, https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-funds-innovative-research-providing-vital-training-next

Transitioning Towards a Sustainable Healthcare Mindset at DHITS 2023

Posted on by Mike McCalip

Since the Defense Health Agency (DHA) oversees the entire military health system, it knows how important it is for members of the military and their doctors to be able to access medical records quickly and universally. In August 2023, the DHA hosted the Defense Health Information Technology Symposium (DHITS) where military health system (MHS) stakeholders discussed its newest asset– the Military Health System (MHS) Genesis. With the creation of this universal health record database, military members’ health records can easily be accessed, whether they are active-duty or not. Currently being rolled out in waves, the MHS Genesis plans to expand health records accessibility between different military branches.

Benefits from MHS Genesis

While still new, the MHS Genesis already shows improvements in several areas which include:

Enterprise and Cultural Interoperability: Some doctors may have different views or standards than others. This universal system makes patient files easily accessible to any doctor, regardless of military branch or practice. Now, the IT systems and Electronic Health Records (EHR) work together seamlessly. Different military branches will be able to use the same uniform system when it comes to accessing patient files and records, making the job easier for both patients and doctors.
Patient-Centric Care: With the MHS Genesis technology enhancements, it is now easier than ever to meet patients at their home on a Tuesday through telehealth. Telehealth is especially important within the military to give patients flexibility in choosing appointments as well as requesting information or gaining access to their medical records.
System and Process Automation: Medical professionals struggle with the global constraint of time. The MHS enables providers to automate tasks, saving time on things like paperwork and allowing for more one-on-one patient care.

Next Steps for the MHS

Currently, the entire DoD is at an 86% implementation rate for the MHS Genesis. It is actively being used in all DHA locations in the U.S. with plans to incorporate the universal health record system into the remaining treatment facilities outside of the United States by the end of 2023.

As leaders within the MHS continue their journey into modernization and sustainability, it is important that they equip people with the right knowledge and skills to be able to deliver their future vision of what military medicine should look like. The number one purpose of this emerging technology is to ensure the medical readiness of the military. The MHS Genesis will help guarantee that this stays a top priority, as it creates better access to information and helps deliver that information to the decision makers. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical settings is an exciting development that will help with diagnosing, personal assistants, risk analysis, forecasting and more. Through AI support, doctors will be able to spend more time on their patients and less time on large amounts of paperwork.

While the implementation of the MHS Genesis has been a success, all branches of the DoD must continue to communicate and collaborate openly and effectively. They must also involve other stakeholders by breaking down data silos and sharing freely what does and does not work in an enterprise setting. This will ultimately help with addressing public health challenges, ethically using AI in a medical setting, cybersecurity and more.

The MHS journey coincides with changing the deployment approach to a “sustainment” mentality. A sustainment mindset involves focusing on:

Optimization of user experience: Seeking feedback and continuing to adjust the technology to enhance user experience
Scalability: Scaling the success and implementing the changes across the enterprise if success is found with one configuration setup
Standardization: Creating a standard vocabulary and process for enterprise usage, so people communicate with the same terminology across the MHS

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that patients receive the care they need. Through the MHS Genesis and the IT solutions discussed at DHITS, the MHS hopes to greatly boost patient experiences, increase trust in the military health system, reduce healthcare provider burnout and give patients and clinicians access to data in real-time.

Visit Carahsoft’s Department of Defense and Healthcare solutions portfolios to learn more about DHITS 2023 and how Carahsoft can support your organization in these critical marketplaces.

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

Generative AI, DevSecOps and Cybersecurity Highlighted for the Air Force and Space Force at DAFITC 2023

Posted on by Mike McCalip

Thousands of Space Force and Air Force personnel and industry experts convened to discuss the most current and significant threats confronting global networks and national defense at the 2023 Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Education & Training (DAFITC) Event. Throughout the many educational sessions, thought leaders presented a myriad of topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), DevSecOps solutions and cybersecurity strategies to collaborate on the advancement of public safety.

Leveraging Generative AI in the DoD

At the event, experts outlined three distinct use cases for simplified generative artificial intelligence in military training.

Text to Text: This type of generative AI takes inputted text and outputs written content in a different format. Text to Text is associated with tasks such as content creation, summarization, evaluation, prediction and coding.
Text to Audio: Text to Audio AI can enhance accessibility and inclusion by creating audio content from written materials to support elearning and education and facilitate language translation.
Text to Video: Text to Video AI is primarily geared towards generating video content from a script to aid the military with language learning and training initiatives.

Dr. Lynne Graves, representative of the Department of the Air Force Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), provided attendees with a brief timeline of how the USAF will fully adopt artificial intelligence. The overarching aim for AI integration is to make it an integral part of everyday training, exercises and operations within the Department of Defense (DoD).

In FY23, the DoD is focusing on pipeline assessment. Using red teaming where ethical hackers run simulations to identify weaknesses in the system, internal military personnel target improvement of their infrastructure and mitigation of the vulnerabilities in the different stages of the pipeline.
In FY24, the emphasis will be on the Red Force Migration policy, which involves developing, funding and scaling the necessary strategies.
In FY25, the goal is for the department to become AI-ready. This entails preparing for AI adoption at all agency levels, establishing a standard model card that explains context for the model’s intended use and other important information, creating a comprehensive repository of data and implementing tools for extensive testing, evaluation and verification.

USSF Supra Coders Utilize DevSecOps for Innovation

The current operations of United States Space Force (USSF) Supra Coders involve a range of activities that combine modeling, simulation and expertise in replicating threats. These operations are conducted globally, and currently include orbit-related activities, replication of DA ASAT (Direct Ascent Anti-Satellite) capabilities and the reproduction of adversarial Space Domain Awareness (SDA).

The USSF Supra Coders have encountered limitations with software solutions, including restrictions tied to standalone systems, licensing structures with associated costs and limited adaptability to meet the specific needs of aggressors and USSF requirements. DevSecOps presents a multifaceted strategy for mitigating the identified capability gaps noted by the USSF Supra Coders. It can help create more effective and efficient software solutions through seamless integration of security protocols, streamlining system integration processes, optimizing costs and enhancing customizability.

Cybersecurity Within the Space Force

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across the DoD but is especially relevant for the U.S. Space Force. As a relatively newly emerging branch of the military, the Space Force is still developing its cyber strategies. Due to its completely virtual link to its capabilities, the USSF must prioritize secure practices from the outset and make informed decisions to protect its networks and data.

Currently, the Space Force is engaged in the initial phases of pre-mission analysis for its cyber component which serves as a critical element for establishing and maintaining infrastructure through the integration of command and control (C2). These cyber capabilities encounter a series of complex challenges, which necessitate a multifaceted approach including the following solutions:

Enforcing Consistent Cybersecurity Compliance
Developing Secure Methods to Safely Retire Old Technology
Enhancing Cryptography Visibility
Understanding Security Certificate Complexity
Identifying Vulnerabilities and Mitigating Unknown Cyber Risks

While the Space Force faces a uniquely heightened imperative to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities with its inherent reliance on information technology and networks in the space domain, the entire community must collaborate effectively to achieve military leaders’ targeted cybersecurity capabilities by the goal in 2027.

The integration of generative AI in military training, innovations through DevSecOps by the USSF Supra Coders and cybersecurity initiatives of the Space Force collectively highlight the evolving landscape of advanced technologies within the Department of Defense. Technology providers can come alongside the military to support these efforts with new solutions that enhance the DoD’s capabilities and security.

Visit Carahsoft’s Department of Defense market and DevSecOps vertical solutions portfolios to learn more about DAFITC 2023 and how Carahsoft can support your organization in these critical areas.

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

Make Invisible Talent Visible

Posted on by Kelley Steven-Waiss

With strengthening and empowering the Federal workforce as a key tenant of the President’s Management Agenda, the critical need for people with cybersecurity skills and an aging workforce, now is the time for government to re-evaluate how it looks at the skills of employees. Moving to a data-driven talent strategy allows agencies to match the right people to the right work at the right time which also enhances that employee’s experience and engagement with their work.

Progression not Promotion

The first step is realizing that skills are not a title. For too long, career success has meant moving up GS levels or in title. A change in title does not necessarily mean being exposed to new experiences, gaining new skills or even gaining responsibility. The growth that comes with new challenges is what keeps employees fulfilled. That can happen when employees move into positions across an organization. Sideways needs to be the new up – not just for the growth of employees but for the mission achievement of government.

Keep Talent in Government

People enter public service because they have a tie to the mission. They want to work for that organization with a line of sight toward that mission. They do not leave because they stopped believing in the mission, they leave because they have not been given an opportunity to grow and develop. Research shows that one third of millennials and Gen Z workers leave a job because they did not see an opportunity to grow their career.

Talent sharing across agencies is a concept whose time has come. Government employees need to see career path options outside of their current organization. Where can their skills make an impact in another office or agency? Seeing a growth path will keep the talent within the government ecosystem rather than losing them to good commercial companies.

Diversify the Workforce You Already Have

A data-driven approach can go a long way in driving out bias and growing equity. Across government there are many opportunities for people to get involved in steering committees, pop-up projects and short-term initiatives. However, getting involved requires employees to be informed. We assume that people will seek out these opportunities. Employees only network with people they know – this limits what they are exposed to. Employees miss opportunities every day that are tailor made for their skills and career goals.

A data-driven approach automates the ability to engage. Opportunities can be pushed to employees that meet specific skills and capability criteria. Those employees can then engage with the opportunity through a digital workflow allowing them to quickly and easily break into a new network within the organization. No longer are we dependent on who we know. Now technology becomes a proactive, enabling force in finding the best fit based on skills, not position or education.

Personalize the Journey

Studies show that 94% of employees will stay with an organization longer if they feel it is invested in them. Providing a dynamic career path backed by training and mentoring opportunities is a way to demonstrate commitment to an employee.

A one size fits all training program ends up fitting no one. Employees have come to expect a personalized experience from all of the brands they interact with – whether that is music or movie recommendations or reminders to order more toilet paper. Data-driven organizations can offer that same experience by feeding employees programs and trainings that people actually want to participate in and learn from.

For organizations, knowing the growth areas for employees allows for more targeted efforts in offering reskilling and upskilling opportunities to the people who will most quickly benefit from the training.

ServiceNow is proud to support organizations ready to make the leap to a data-driven skills-based model. Our recent webinar showed how to move away from spreadsheets and emails and begin managing skills in an automated way that works for everyone – HR, agency leaders, supervisors and employees. View the full session here to learn how to transform how you hire, reward and grow your team.

3 Strategies the State Department Can Adopt to Successfully Balance Infrastructure Modernization and Security

Posted on by Chip Daniels

The Department of State’s (DOS) plan to modernize American diplomacy has two focuses: adopting critical and emerging technologies and strengthening cybersecurity. Secretary Antony Blinken cites these initiatives as an “aspect of foreign policy that has become critical in recent years.”

Yet, a recent survey indicates IT complexity is a top challenge when it comes to protecting against cybersecurity threats. The more technology added to a network, the harder it is to defend.

That’s why the DOS must adopt a security-first approach when building and deploying new IT infrastructure. By shifting security left, the organization will be better positioned to successfully balance modernization with security.

Here are three ways the DOS and other government agencies can achieve this objective.

Adopt a “secure by design” approach

Infrastructure modernization isn’t just about the tools that are added to a network. It’s also about the people who must manage the tools, and the different processes teams might use to ensure that everything works as it should. All of this creates additional complexity and increases how an attacker could infiltrate a network.

That’s why it’s critical to weave cybersecurity throughout every phase of infrastructure deployment. Every time a new system or application is installed, its introduction and implementation should be carefully vetted by a dedicated security team. All endpoints should be carefully monitored and inspected to ensure their fortification and all systems tested by red teams to verify their security postures and resiliency.

Simultaneously, all IT professionals should follow predetermined security guidelines throughout the software implementation process. These guidelines should be easily accessible and understood by everyone involved in the process. Simple, direct, and sequential instructions can help prevent vulnerabilities.

Implement observability for proactive cybersecurity

As the DOS’s software factories continue to develop and deploy new technologies, the agency must adopt methods that allow it to keep close tabs on how those technologies connect and interact with one another. Implementing a process of observability is a good way to accomplish this task.

Observability provides a complete view of every asset that comprises an organization’s IT infrastructure, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid environments. IT teams can observe how assets operate and interact with each other and rapidly identify issues as they arise, including potential security risks.

Observability goes beyond traditional network monitoring, but both are essential. The latter pushes alerts to IT teams whenever there’s a deviation from a predetermined metric, while the former allows teams to detect and analyze abnormalities in real time. So, while monitoring is reactive, and observability is proactive, both work together to form a critical foundation for infrastructure security.

Take an “assume breach” mentality

Zero-trust is an effective best practice that the DOS has adopted from the Department of Defense’s leadership. In the wake of continually evolving cybersecurity threats, adopting a zero-trust posture should be considered the minimum protection standard.

The DOS can take this approach even further by taking an “assume breach” mentality. An assume breach mindset includes several strategies designed to protect the agency throughout the entire lifecycle of a cyberattack. In addition to incorporating zero-trust principles, assuming a breach involves:

Identifying and addressing gaps in security coverage
Planning how to react and respond to an attack
Detailing the steps needed to recover from an attack
Learning from an attack
Implementing processes to prevent future attacks

Assuming a breach is just as it sounds—embracing a position that it’s not if a breach will happen, it’s when it will take place. If agencies base their cybersecurity efforts around this mentality, they will be more prepared to both deal with and prevent the eventuality.

Cyber resiliency must be a top focus as the DOS continues its push toward modernization, but without a systematic plan in place, the agency’s efforts to contain and prevent vulnerabilities can easily become overwhelming. Adhering to the three strategies outlined here can help the DOS prioritize cybersecurity and tackle potential threats in a way that will not only protect the organization but also do so in a manner that is efficient and effective.

These best practices are fundamental elements to SolarWinds’ Secure by Design approach, developed in collaboration with leading cybersecurity experts in the wake of the 2020 SUNBURST attack. It’s a solid blueprint for the DOS to refer to as it continues its modernization efforts.

Critical Infrastructure in Cybersecurity: Modernizing the Electric and Utilities Sector

Posted on by Alex Whitworth

After the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline in 2021 and other notable events, the presidential administration has diligently worked to improve the cybersecurity posture of critical infrastructure in the United States. Several Government agencies, such as the Department of Energy (DOE) Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER), the National Security Agency (NSA), Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and private sector Electric & Utility Industry have joined to refine and boost cybersecurity in the Electric and Utilities sector.

Standards for the Electric and Utility Sector

Since 2021, the White House has put forth the National Security Memorandum on Improving Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Control Systems, an initiative that aims to safeguard the critical infrastructure of the nation. The Memorandum specifies that the Electricity Subsector was the pilot effort in its Initiative. In acknowledgement of the Memorandum, at least 150 electric utilities have or will adopt operational technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) security and improved the visibility, detection and monitoring of critical electricity networks. Further reinforcing the memo, in March of 2023, the Presidential Administration announced a national cybersecurity strategy that strives to create a secure digital ecosystem reinforced with the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Control systems experts that work with DOE CESER, CISA and the NSA have developed a set of ICS security considerations. These considerations aim to enhance and monitor the detection, mitigation and forensic capabilities for OT owners and operators.

The ICS/OT cybersecurity evaluating and monitoring technology guidelines are recommendations rather than mandates. They include but are not limited to:

Building technology for ICS networks with integration compatibility for ICS protocols and communications
Adding sensor-based continuous network cybersecurity monitoring, detection and facilitation of response capabilities for both ICS and OT
Creating a collective defense capability framework for software so that Federal Government partners and trusted organizations can share insights and detections
Utilizing passive deployment and isolation technologies to protect sensitive information
Securing technology against access credential misuse^[1]

These guidelines aim to improve system security and visibility with Government partners.

Financing the Security Movement

To help fulfill the National Security Memorandum promise, the current administration has released the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which authorizes up to $250 million to enhance the cybersecurity resilience of rural, municipal, and small private electric utilities. The Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program has utilized the law to help improve energy systems, processes, assets, incident response and cybersecurity skills in eligible agencies within the utility workforce. Nearly one in six Americans live in remote or rural communities with inadequate funding and infrastructure for updated technology and modern systems.^[2] The RMUC Program pledges financial and technical assistance to help these communities, as well as small investor-owned electric utilities, to improve vital security functions such as operational capabilities and to provide cybersecurity services access and threat-sharing programs. In August 2023, the program pledged a prize pool of $8.96 million dollars in competitive funding and technical assistance to enable municipal and small investor-owned utilities to advance their training and cybersecurity.^[3]

By ensuring secure and reliable power to all customers, RMUC will help finance cybersecurity, as well as help fulfill another of the current administration’s goals of a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.

Cleaning Up Energy

In developing the clean energy sector, the Administration aims to mold the digital ecosystem to be more defensible, resilient and aligned with American values. This strategy will invest in the future by defending the energy sector and reinforcing clean-energy critical infrastructures.^[4] To aid in the battle for clean energy through cybersecurity innovation, Clean Energy Cybersecurity Accelerator (CECA) will make cybersecurity accessible via collaboration with public and private expertise. To do so, CECA will assess all ICS assets that are connected to a utility’s infrastructure. Any ICS with potential wide-reaching impact is evaluated against physical and virtual attacks in a test lab, allowing CECA to mend any security holes. Aiming to achieve carbon-free electricity by 2035, the DOE has announced hundreds of funding opportunities, including funding for the Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) office.^[5]

Through the collaboration of several key Government agencies and the tech industry, the Electric and Utilities sector is on the way to being secure, reliable and accessible to all.

The first two parts of this four-part blog series covered the basics of critical infrastructure cybersecurity, as well as an overview of the Water and Wastewater Sector. Following this third part, the fourth and final blog will dive deeper into the Transportation sector.

To learn more about how agencies can bolster their cybersecurity efforts within critical infrastructure, visit Carahsoft’s Cybersecurity Solutions Portfolio.

Sources

[1] “Considerations for ICS/OT Cybersecurity Monitoring Technologies,” Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response, https://www.energy.gov/ceser/considerations-icsot-cybersecurity-monitoring-technologies

[2] “Biden-Harris Administration Launches $250 Million Program to Strengthen Energy Security for Rural Communities,” Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-launches-250-million-program-strengthen-energy-security-rural

[3] “New Prize Supports Rural and Municipal Utilities in Strengthening Cybersecurity Posture,” NREL, https://www.nrel.gov/news/program/2023/new-prize-supports-rural-and-municipal-utilities-in-strengthening-cybersecurity-posture.html

[4] “Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces National Cybersecurity Strategy,” The White House, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/02/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-national-cybersecurity-strategy/

[5] “Funding Notice: Critical Materials Innovation, Efficiency and Alternatives,” Energy.gov: Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, https://www.energy.gov/fecm/funding-notice-critical-materials-innovation-efficiency-and-alternatives

Empowering Citizens: The Next Frontier in Government Service Delivery

Posted on by Josh Green

In this era of rapid technological advancement, embracing digital transformation is not just a matter of convenience, but a necessity for ensuring government agencies can effectively serve their constituents. The convergence of policy directives, like the President Management Agenda and the 21st Century IDEA (Integrated Digital Experience Act), with the pioneering spirit of public servants, sets the stage for a new era of government-citizen interaction.

Personalized Government Experiences

As we reflect on the lessons learned over the last few years, it becomes clear that the digital shift was not just about replicating existing services in a virtual space, it was about reimagining the very essence of citizen engagement itself. Agencies pivoted swiftly, using technology to supply critical services while safeguarding public health. This showed the immense potential for innovation within the public sector. The digitization of vital services, from health updates to unemployment assistance, was a monumental first step. Now, agencies stand at the precipice of a new frontier: personalization. Imagine a government service experience that predicts and addresses the unique needs of each individual. It is not just a matter of efficiency; it is a statement of commitment to inclusivity.

Accessibility, often considered a compliance requirement, is at the core of this transformation. Yet, true accessibility encompasses more than technical compliance. It demands a cultural shift towards empathy and understanding. It calls for dedicated teams to champion accessibility at every stage of service delivery. It challenges agencies to view every interaction as an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with citizens.

Looking ahead, the potential for government-citizen interactions is boundless. The fusion of technological innovation and policy imperatives opens a realm of possibilities. From predictive analytics that anticipate citizen needs to virtual assistants that guide individuals through complex processes, the future is bright with potential. In this quest for personalized government experiences, creating tailored content emerges as a pivotal strategy. This involves understanding the diverse needs and preferences of citizens and crafting information that resonates with them on a personal level. By using data analytics and user insights, agencies can quickly and automatically curate content that addresses specific challenges, provides relevant information, and guides individuals seamlessly through their interactions with government services.

Digital Workforce

Furthermore, the power of personalization extends beyond citizens to the dedicated employees within government agencies. A digitally empowered workforce is fundamental to delivering exceptional public services. Agencies can invest in training and upskilling programs, equipping employees with the digital tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the evolving landscape. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, agencies empower their teams to adapt to changing citizen needs and drive meaningful impact. Empowering employees goes hand-in-hand with enhancing the experiences of constituents. By streamlining internal processes and using technology, agencies can reduce bureaucratic hurdles and deliver services more efficiently. This not only improves the speed of service delivery but also frees up resources to focus on initiatives that truly matter to citizens.

Seeking feedback from both employees and constituents is instrumental in fine-tuning government services. Establishing open channels of communication allows agencies to gain valuable insights into pain points, preferences, and areas for improvement. This iterative approach fosters a culture of responsiveness, ensuring that government services evolve in tandem with the evolving needs of the community.

A Citizen-Centric Government for All

The pursuit of personalized government experiences is a multifaceted endeavor. It requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses the creation of tailored content, the empowerment of employees, and a relentless commitment to continuous improvement of these experiences. As agencies embark on this transformative journey, they not only meet the immediate needs of citizens but also set the stage for a more agile, responsive, and citizen-centric government in the years to come.

Overall, the journey towards personalized government-citizen experiences is not just a matter of policy compliance, but a testament to the ideals of a government that serves all its citizens equitably. By championing accessibility, agencies pave the way for a more inclusive society. By embracing personalization, they empower individuals to engage with their government on their own terms. Together, we embark on a transformative journey towards a more responsive, inclusive, and citizen-centric government.

Check out this four-part Adobe webinar series to learn more about creating simplified government experiences customers can count on.

Okta and ServiceNow: Modernizing Public Sector Operations

Posted on by Matt Egan

Federal, state, and local agencies and educational institutions are facing a surge in targeted cyberattacks. With increasing return-to-office mandates, they face further challenges balancing security with the need to deliver frictionless experiences for users and systems, both within and beyond the premises of agencies and campuses. Public sector organizations can lean further on industry partners to help them modernize operations to improve cybersecurity, support distributed workforces and users, remain compliant with audit and policy mandates, and, ultimately, better serve the public.

Roadblocks to Modernization

To modernize operations, agencies and institutions need to transition from legacy systems to cloud-based tools. Creating collaborative, seamless, and secure work environments that not only attract and retain top talent but also comply with key audit and policy mandates is necessary.

But building this kind of robust environment that can securely support mission-critical work isn’t easy.

Okta ServiceNow Modernizing Public Sector Operations Blog Embedded Image 2023

For one, as the public sector implements cloud-based tools that deliver modern, continuous digital services, they must also ensure the new technology works seamlessly alongside existing processes. And securing work environments both in-office and remotely has never been more challenging, with a 40% increase in cyberattacks against government and public service organizations from Q2 2023 to Q3 2023. Unfortunately, busy IT teams’ resources are too often spent completing manual work instead of implementing changes needed to focus on the high-value work that propels their missions.

How Okta and ServiceNow Solutions Help With Modernization and Automation

Okta and ServiceNow solutions enable agencies and institutions to overcome these obstacles by providing tools that enhance security, modernize operations, comply with strategic policies, and improve service delivery to meet critical mission goals.

Together, Okta and ServiceNow help with:

Identity and access management: A centralized Identity solution offers a complete view of users and phishing-resistant authentication to protect accounts from cyberattacks and least-privilege access. This gives users just the right access at the right time for the right purposes.
User lifecycle and workflow automation: Advanced algorithms and customizable templates streamline onboarding and offboarding for IT teams, reducing time-consuming work, eliminating manual, repetitive tasks, and increasing productivity.
Compliance and policy oversight: Detailed logs and refined reporting capabilities perform automated compliance checks, and policy enforcement mechanisms help reduce the risk of non-compliance.
No-code automation: No-code/low-code automation enables IT teams to quickly launch modern services while still adhering to Zero Trust integrations.
Risk management and monitoring: Advanced analytics and real-time reporting enable continuous visibility of all systems, improving service availability and accelerating incident response that can better protect the sensitive information of public sector organizations.
System integration: API management and middleware tools enable seamless integration with automated data exchange to improve communication and reduce errors.

Why Okta and ServiceNow are Better Together

These solutions combine ServiceNow’s expertise in policy and compliance management and internal and vendor risk management with Okta’s expertise in Identity and access management, such as single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

More specifically, with a rich, bidirectional integration, Okta and ServiceNow work seamlessly together, empowering public sector organizations to modernize and automate their services to support their evolving missions with:

Okta Integration Network (OIN)
ServiceNow Security Incident Module
StateRAMP Ready authorization
FedRAMP High authorization
Department of Defense Impact Level (IL) 4 and IL5 workloads

Contact our team today to learn more about about how, together, Okta and ServiceNow provide the public sector with an open, future-ready platform to automate, secure, orchestrate, and simplify their workflows.

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.*

Three Strategies for Minimizing Insider Threats

Posted on by Chip Daniels

Insider threats (alternatively known as careless or untrained insiders) continue to be a problem for the public sector. According to SolarWinds 2023 Public Sector Cybersecurity Survey, 68% of respondents cited careless or untrained employees as one of the highest sources of security threats, second only to foreign governments.

Insider threats have continued to increase over the past few years. Mobile work has become commonplace, and more employees have begun using unsanctioned applications, leading to incidents of shadow IT. Meanwhile, hackers have become adept at targeting government employees through phishing and ransomware attacks, which succeed due to human error.

Educating your employees about the dangers of these attacks and putting in proper safeguards to prevent them is critical. Here are three strategies to help employees become more aware of threats and build a better security posture from the inside.

Understand while not everyone is a trained security expert, everyone can play their part

SolarWinds Cybersecurity Against Insider Threats Blog Embedded Image 2023

Some organizations tend to say, “Everyone is responsible for cybersecurity,” which is not entirely true. An employee in charge of processing applications for social security benefits is in charge of processing applications for social security benefits, not protecting the agency from a cyber attack.

However, there are little things everyone can do to prevent threats–they just need to know what those things are. It’s more than not opening emails from unknown senders or clicking on suspicious-looking attachments. It’s being vigilant, even when someone is feeling overworked. It’s also knowing who to report these incidents to if and when they occur and how and when to share information with colleagues about potentially suspicious activity.

Other things you can do to help employees protect your agency include:

Implementing company-wide password protocols, including two-factor authentication
Mandating employees to change their passwords every few months
Adding context to communications around cybersecurity to help employees understand the ramifications of cybersecurity incidents (for example, illustrating how a breach could impact employees’ jobs)

While rigorous training isn’t necessary, you can aim to make safe security practices a part of your day-to-day efforts. For example, periodic email reminders, replete with simple and easy-to-follow best practices and sent from the CIO or security team, can help improve your organization’s security posture.

Conduct simulations to help employees understand how to respond to possible threats

Email reminders are important, but nothing beats practicing what to do in the event of a threat. Which is where Breach and Attack Simulations (BAS) come in.

BASs can be used to simulate just about any type of attack your employees might be exposed to, including phishing, malware, and more. Employees are asked to spot, respond to, and prevent an attack in a simulation. Managers can assess employees’ responses and reactions and discover where more education is needed.

Simulated attacks are also great for increasing employee vigilance and education. The more employees are exposed to simulated threats, the more knowledgeable they become about those threats–and the less likely they will be to fall prey to them.

Build a zero-trust foundation that is secure by design

While employees should always be your first line of defense against cyberattacks, no defense is ever foolproof, even those that have been adequately trained and prepared. Implementing a secure by design zero-trust cybersecurity environment can ensure weaknesses aren’t exploited.

In a secure-by-design environment, security is inherent in every aspect of the organization. Employees are aware of possible cybersecurity risks and know how to prevent them. Security is baked into the agency’s technology infrastructure and software development processes, and all technologies an agency procures have security as a standard feature, not an add-on.

Security by design goes hand-in-hand with zero trust. Zero-trust cybersecurity models are based on an “assume breach” mentality, where every request to access information could pose a threat. Therefore, all requests must be carefully verified, and all employees should only have access to the information they need.

Remember: while employees can be your agency’s best defenders, they’re also human. They can and will make mistakes. It’s essential to put in place safeguards to mitigate those mistakes. Education is important, but so is having a backup plan in case something fails. By covering all angles you’ll have a better chance of preventing the next employee-centric cyberattack.

For more guidance on how to better enhance your agency’s cybersecurity posture, visit SolarWinds’ Secure by Design resource center.