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The National Security Agency (NSA) is actively involved in assisting Department of Defense (DoD) customers in implementing Zero Trust systems. The agency is committed to developing additional guidance to integrate Zero Trust principles into enterprise networks, demonstrating its dedication to enhancing cybersecurity across government and private sectors. This commitment aims to strengthen the security posture of critical infrastructure and key resources, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats.
Zero Trust is a security framework that requires all users, whether inside or outside the organisation’s network, to be authenticated, authorised, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or maintaining access to applications and data. This approach assumes that there is no traditional network edge, meaning that networks can be local, in the cloud, or a hybrid combination with resources located anywhere, and workers can be in any location.
The NSA’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance cybersecurity posture across various sectors. By providing detailed guidance and best practices, the NSA aims to assist organisations of all sizes in implementing effective Zero Trust architectures.
This latest initiative builds on the NSA’s previously released Cybersecurity Information Sheets (CSIs) on Zero Trust, including guidance on embracing a Zero Trust security model and advancing Zero Trust maturity throughout different pillars such as user, device, data, network and environment. These documents offer specific recommendations for implementing Zero Trust principles in various aspects of an organisation’s IT environment, forming a comprehensive roadmap for achieving a robust cybersecurity posture.
The challenge of securing applications and workloads in a Zero Trust environment is not unique to the NSA. Heather J., technical director in S&CI’s Office of Physical Security, has been collaborating with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to address concerns across the Intelligence Community. “I wrote the current NSA hearing aid Bluetooth mitigation policy and am working with ODNI to write the medical device policy for the entire Intelligence Community,” Heather said.
Both Heather and Stephanie P., IoT Security team lead for LACR’s Trust Mechanisms office, are proud of the progress made. “It’s fantastic that this work enables employees with hearing loss to take advantage of the latest advancements in hearing aid technology while at work,” Stephanie said.
“Balancing the needs of our workforce with the security of our facilities is getting harder as technologies advance,” Heather agreed. “We’re excited to have a way forward for this hearing aid feature and continue to explore novel ways to mitigate new and emerging technical threats to maximise our ability to permit the latest technology without compromising our missions.”
The release of the CSI on “Advancing Zero Trust Maturity Throughout the Application and Workload Pillar” signifies a significant advancement in the NSA’s efforts to promote Zero Trust principles. By providing detailed guidance and best practices, the NSA aims to help organisations secure their applications and workloads against unauthorised access and potential cyber threats.
As digital technology evolves, the NSA’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity measures ensures that organisations can adopt the latest innovations while maintaining a robust security posture. The integration of Zero Trust principles into modern network environments is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data, applications, assets, and services in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Looking ahead, the NSA plans to continue its collaborative efforts with government and private sector partners to enhance cybersecurity measures further and address emerging threats. The agency remains dedicated to providing comprehensive guidance and support to help organisations navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape and protect their critical assets.
