Matthew Nelson
Tom Van Meter, federal systems engineering director at Juniper Networks, said the federal government could strengthen the security of its information technology through implementation of zero trust architecture, supply chain defense and security assurance certifications.
In a blog post FedTech published Tuesday, Van Meter added that compliance with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework could also help secure federal networks.
The usage of a zero trust architecture could mitigate potential breaches by stopping unauthorized lateral movement and access, according to him.
As for the second approach to IT security, Van Meter said federal governments should monitor and examine supply chain digital interactions to determine any security gaps hackers may exploit.Â
"That way, the agencies can better identify exposures and respond quickly if an intrusion occurs," he added.
Discussing the third pillar for effective government cybersecurity roadmap, Van Meter said earning certifications could demonstrate that a company's products achieved the government's security implementation standards.
The executive also highlighted the significance of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Cybersecurity Framework in managing cyber risks and validating areas for improvement.
"While there are no easy answers to improving U.S. cyber defenses and much more work remains to be done, excellent frameworks exist that agencies and other organizations can leverage for a sound cybersecurity strategy," he said.
The government awarded the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency $650 million in funds to enhance federal networks under the  American Rescue Plan Act.
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