​​DISA’s New Mobile Device STIGs: Experts Explain the Importance of MTD for Securing Military Endpoints​

​​DISA’s New Mobile Device STIGs: Experts Explain the Importance of MTD for Securing Military Endpoints​

Author: Government Technology Insider February 12, 2026 Duration: 11:17

​At the end of last year, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) released new Android 16 and iOS 26 Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) designed to provide military organizations with the guidance they need to better secure their mobile endpoints against modern adversaries.

​One of the most significant new requirements in the latest Android and Apple STIGS is for all managed mobile devices to have a mobile threat defense (MTD) solution deployed to remain compliant – a major undertaking for an organization with hundreds of thousands of mobile endpoints.

​In this episode of the Government Technology Insider Podcast, host, Matt Langan, is joined by Farhan Saifudin of Ivanti, and Alex Froede of DISA to define STIGs, explain their importance for mobile device security, and discuss the new STIG changes and how they’ll impact military organizations.

​Farhan Saifudin, is Ivanti's sales engineer manager for the public sector. Alex Froede, a senior mobile cybersecurity architect and principal author of DISA’s mobile technology STIGs at the DISA Cyber Standards and Analysis Branch, also known as the DISA STIG Office.

​During their detailed discussion on the changes to Apple and Android device STIGS, they explore the current threat landscape for mobile devices in the U.S. DoD explain why MTD solutions are necessary in today's threat environment, provide considerations for DoD decision-makers looking to choose an MTD solution, and the importance of marrying an MTD solution to a mobile device management (MDM) solution.


Ever wonder what really happens when a new software platform gets rolled out across a state agency, or how a city decides which cloud provider to trust with its data? The Government Technology Insider Podcast pulls back the curtain on those exact processes. This isn't about theoretical futures; it's a grounded look at the actual work of modernizing public sector systems. Each conversation goes straight to the source, featuring the people who are navigating procurement, implementing security protocols, and managing the day-to-day realities of tech adoption within government frameworks. You'll hear firsthand accounts about the strategic choices that succeed, the unexpected hurdles that arise, and the practical solutions that make a difference. The discussions are candid and detailed, focusing less on hype and more on the tangible lessons learned from recent projects and initiatives. For anyone curious about the real intersection of civic duty and digital innovation, this podcast provides an essential, on-the-ground perspective. Tune in for a clear-eyed view of how technology is being woven into the fabric of government missions, one challenge and one victory at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Government Technology Insider Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ep 118 - Unlocking a Total Experience Strategy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:57
When it comes to the modernization of federal services, taking a holistic approach to user experience could help agencies integrate technology seamlessly and securely. Government Technology Insider talked with Joe Jeter,…
Ep 116 - Private Networks: The DoD’s Gateway to Commercial 5G [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:22
The Department of Defense (DoD) is currently navigating the transition to commercial 5G networks while also exploring the integration of private networks as a foundational step toward wireless connectivity. The DoD aims…
Ep 97 - Leading Through Change to Drive Workforce Innovation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:07
Employing qualified candidates to work in government is a challenge that federal agencies have been grappling with for years. In addition, agencies are also struggling with the impacts of the pandemic-era surge in retire…
Ep 96 - Exploring the New Department of Defense Zero Trust Strategy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:42
At the end of 2022, the Department of Defense (DoD) released its Zero Trust Strategy and Roadmap, which highlighted the four key goals of Zero Trust Cultural Adoption, DoD Information Systems Secured and Defended, Techno…
Ep 93 - Driving Connection in the Era of Remote Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:43
Increasing the connectivity federal agencies have at satellite and remote offices has been a priority for many years. However, the last three years have really accentuated the importance of driving a connection between w…
Ep 92 - DISA Focuses on Partnerships to Expedite Cloud Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:11
Supporting the all-important mission of ensuring national security, the Department of Defense is made up of 33 agencies. One of these agencies is the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). DISA focuses on IT and comm…