Defending Federal Data: The Future of Cybersecurity in Government

On this episode, sponsored by Presidio Federal and IBM, we dive into the latest developments in federal cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and threat management. CISA has introduced a new plan to strengthen enterprise cybersecurity across federal agencies: the Federal Civilian Executive Branch Operational Cybersecurity Alignment Plan, known as FOCAL. Shelly Hartsook, Deputy Associate Director of Capacity Building at CISA, explains how FOCAL was developed, its five key priority areas, and how the plan aims to unify and streamline federal cyber defenses. From asset management and vulnerability mitigation to supply chain security and incident response, Hartsook outlines the collaborative efforts required to strengthen federal resilience against ever-evolving cyber threats.

We also explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with Jeff Crume, Cybersecurity Architect and Distinguished Engineer at IBM. Jeff discusses the dual role of AI in both enhancing cyber defenses and creating new vulnerabilities. He shares insights on how federal agencies can secure AI tools, combat the risks of shadow AI, and prepare for future quantum computing threats. Jeff also highlights practical strategies for leaders to safeguard sensitive data and implement quantum-safe encryption protocols before the threat becomes reality.

Finally, Glen Williamson, Cybersecurity Engineering Branch Chief for Cyber Resilience at the Census Bureau, shares how his team is navigating the agency's cyber priorities. Williamson highlights the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats like phishing and leveraging FedRAMP to streamline security processes during the transition to the cloud. He also emphasizes the need for a skilled workforce with expertise in cloud technologies and AI to adapt to a rapidly changing threat landscape.

For additional resources and insights, visit the show page at fedgovtoday.com. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest episodes, news, and events. Have a great holiday season, and thank you for listening!