Ep 124 - Zero Trust Architecture: Safeguarding Federal Agencies in an Era of Cyber Insecurity

Ep 124 - Zero Trust Architecture: Safeguarding Federal Agencies in an Era of Cyber Insecurity

Author: Government Technology Insider March 5, 2024 Duration: 7:55

Jeff Colburn, Enterprise Networking Solutions Architect at Presidio Federal, discusses the importance of incorporating Zero Trust architecture in cybersecurity practices, including multi-step verification processes for users.

Due to the increase of cloud services, mobile devices, and remote work among federal agencies, there are more opportunities for data to be breached. Compromised systems have led to the loss of confidential and personal data and have even caused economic damage from industrial shutdowns and shortages. In conjunction, security approaches must evolve to ensure secure networks. Zero Trust architecture revolves around the assumption of compromise. Instead of allowing verified users access to an entire network - segmenting networks into smaller, more isolated zones, barricades high level access for all users.

As security threats become more sophisticated, defenses around identity and access must be a top priority. Agencies must adopt an identity-centric approach with continuous verification of trust, shifting from traditional security approaches that assume everything inside the network is trusted.


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 91 - Government Customer Experience in the Modern Age [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:07
In today’s modern IT environment, rapid systemic change is an ideal that many strive for, but few achieve. This is doubly the case for federal agencies which often lack the lateral movements that their public sector coun…
Ep 89 - Mobile Device Management for Federal Agencies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
In the government arena, small businesses often provide agile, cutting-edge solutions that help agencies meet their mission needs. As a minority-woman-owned HUBZone small business, ReliaSource works with larger organizat…
Ep 88 - Co-Innovation Helps Government Better Meet the Mission [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:43
In the federal arena, co-innovation allows agencies to partner and create innovative solutions and strategies that meet mission goals. By partnering with small businesses, like Colossal, agencies can collaborate on cutti…
Ep 87 - Modernizing TDM Networks for the Department of Defense [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:41
As the Department of Defense (DoD) undergoes technology transformation periods and updates their legacy systems, modernizing TDM networks is rising up as a key priority. However, there are several challenges to overcome…
Ep 86 - Securing the Homeland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:34
In May of 2022, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published a whitepaper on planning for a Zero Trust Architecture, which defines Zero Trust principles and discusses the development and implementa…
Ep 84 - Demystifying Zero Trust for the DoD and IC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:39
Defense and intelligence agencies are demystifying Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and developing an understanding of what it is and how to integrate it within their organizations. With recent government mandates, it is im…
Ep 83 - Overcoming Disaster Response Communication Challenges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:55
Severe storms inflict widespread damage on everything in their path. From pinpoint damage done to homes and structures to large-scale disruptions caused by downed powerlines, the aftermath of a storm leaves communities w…