Top Cybersecurity Trends in the Federal Government and Why They are Important
By Chelsea Jarosh, Industry Analyst
With continuously evolving cybersecurity technology, frameworks, and standards, monitoring cybersecurity trends is critical. Keeping a close eye on cybersecurity trends assists in addressing high-risk information security challenges, strengthening overall security posture, and mitigating risks in a timely manner. There are many cybersecurity trends driving investments within the federal sector in 2023.
What are some of the top cybersecurity trends in 2023?
1. Supply Chain Security
Due to increasing reliance on third-party vendors and contractors for products and services, securing supply chains has become a critical focus for the federal government. Ensuring the integrity of the supply chain, including hardware, software, and services, is essential to prevent potential cyber threats and protect sensitive government data.
2. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
APTs are sophisticated cyberattacks that target government agencies and organizations with the intent to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive information, or disrupt critical infrastructure. APTs are expected to continue to pose a significant threat to the federal government due to their complexity and ability to bypass traditional security measures.
3. Cloud Security
As the federal government increasingly adopts cloud computing for storing and processing sensitive data, securing cloud environments has become a top cybersecurity priority. Ensuring proper access controls, data encryption, and monitoring of cloud environments to detect and respond to potential threats are critical trends for staying on top of federal cybersecurity.
4. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Identity access is one of the pillars of cybersecurity and continues to be a focus. IAM is a security measure that allows IT personnel to monitor and control who gets access to sensitive data and networks. User authentication, authorization policies, and access control lists ensure those who are accessing federal data and networks are authorized to do so. The management behind user identities and permissions is set in place to help the government catch unauthorized users quickly.
5. Zero Trust Architecture
As with IAM, Zero Trust continues to be an investment priority. Assuming no user or device should be inherently trusted, a zero trust architecture requires continuous verification of all users, devices, and network traffic. The federal government is adopting Zero Trust architectures to enhance security by implementing stricter access controls, performing continuous monitoring of network traffic to prevent unauthorized access, and requiring multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication requires users to provide more than one form of authentication before being able to access their account and is becoming an increasingly popular security measure.
6. Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing
Sharing cyber threat intelligence among federal agencies, as well as with private sector partners, has become a significant trend in government cybersecurity. Collaborative efforts in sharing information on cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices can help enhance the federal government’s overall cybersecurity posture and better protect against emerging threats.
7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML technologies are being leveraged to enhance threat detection, automate security tasks, and identify anomalous behavior. These technologies can help detect and respond to cyber threats in real time, improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of cybersecurity operations.
8. Insider Threat Detection and Prevention
Insider threats, whether unintentional or malicious, pose a significant risk to federal cybersecurity. Detecting and preventing insider threats through advanced monitoring, user behavior analytics, and employee training has become a key focus in federal cybersecurity efforts.
9. Compliance with Cybersecurity Regulations
The federal government is subject to various cybersecurity regulations and standards, such as the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and the Strengthening American Security Act of 2022. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is a top trend in enhancing overall security posture and protecting sensitive data.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity will continue to be a high-priority investment area in order to address the constantly evolving landscape. Some, like Cloud security, IAM and zero-trust architecture, have been trending for several years. They will continue to be priorities for now and the foreseeable future. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning tools are quickly becoming critical as well. Artificial Intelligence is enabling more smart technology that is revolutionizing the way cybersecurity works. One of the primary use cases of AI-powered tools is threat detection. Some AI tools detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time, making it easier for organizations to safeguard their data from data breaches. Although AI tools can benefit cybersecurity, it can also bring a whole new host of cyber concerns to the table. Through generative AI, attackers may generate new and complex types of malware, phishing schemes, and other cyber dangers. A recent Salesforce survey showed that 71% of 500 IT leaders believe generative AI is likely to introduce new security risks to data. It’s important to note that it’s crucial for the federal government to stay vigilant, regularly assess its cybersecurity posture, and adapt to emerging trends in order to effectively protect its critical assets and data from cyber threats.
SOURCES:
– https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/09/5-challenges-global-supply-chains-trade
Questions? Please reach out to Chelsea on LinkedIn, or e-mail at cjarosh@govexec.com
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