DAFITC Recap: DoD cyber experts emphasize ZTA and RMF reform

By Ryan Nelson, Market Intelligence Manager

When it comes to cybersecurity, look for the DoD to emphasize Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) as the branches push for reform to the Risk Management Framework (RMF), among other hot topics.

At the recent Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower 2022 conference, increased focus on ZTA and RMF topped the list of cybersecurity concerns across the DoD. According to a panel of cybersecurity experts, other top-of-mind topics included the Cyber Security Maturity Model and the need for a better articulated policy for cybersecurity overall.

The panel included cybersecurity experts across the DoD, including:

• David McKeown – Deputy Chief Information Officer for Cybersecurity and the Chief Information Security Officer for Department of Defense (DoD)
• Alvin “Tony” Plater – Director of Cybersecurity for the Department of Navy Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
• Brigadier General Jan C. Norris (USAR) – Deputy Chief Information Officer, Department of the Army Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
• Scott M. St. Pierre – Deputy Director Enterprise Networks and Cybersecurity Department of the Navy (OPNAV N2N6D)

As mentioned at the outset, panelists generally agreed that all branches of service need to move away from perimeter security to a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). The panelists noted the DoD released a plan in July for Zero Trust Reference Architecture.