The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently released its Zero Trust Maturity Model 2.0, which aims to assist agencies in developing zero trust strategies and implementing them effectively. This updated maturity model builds upon CISA’s previous efforts to provide resources and roadmaps for agencies to protect sensitive data and meet security standards.
Zero trust architectures work by validating every user and device and continuously verifying identities within the environment before granting access. This approach can benefit organizations of all kinds, and CISA’s maturity models serve as a roadmap for various sectors.
One crucial aspect of effective cybersecurity is the ability to detect and respond to cyber incidents promptly. A robust zero trust posture requires automated controls and centralized visibility into the IT environment, starting with the security operations center (SOC). However, even with zero trust principles in place, incidents will inevitably occur. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the most significant threats and provide SOC analysts with a detection and event management process that helps them identify critical events amidst the flood of information.
To enhance threat detection and response, some federal agencies have implemented incident detection and response solutions. These solutions collect, interpret, and store audit logs, allowing for analytics and anomaly detection. When a threat is detected, teams are alerted, and the solution automatically generates actionable tickets that are managed through the incident response workflow. This streamlined approach enables security teams to prioritize and address cyber incidents effectively.
Another vital component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is the creation of standard playbooks. These playbooks equip security teams with the necessary resources to support containment, eradication, and recovery from cybersecurity threats. As organizations continue their zero trust journeys, they may encounter common threats. In these situations, standard playbooks can identify patterns and provide repeatable responses to mitigate these attacks. Additionally, automating security responses through playbooks can save time and resources for security teams, allowing them to focus on higher-priority or more complex cyber incidents.
For example, one federal agency focused on improving response time to evolving threats and streamlining enterprise security operations. By implementing functions such as security orchestration and automation response (SOAR), they eliminated errors resulting from manual processes. Standard playbooks and dashboards facilitated investigations, response processes, and corrective actions across IT, security, and risk teams. This unified approach to cyber incidents improved the agency’s ability to respond to emerging threats.
Achieving zero trust is a significant undertaking for any agency, as they must protect their data while meeting evolving security standards and mandates from CISA and other federal agencies. To meet these expectations and upcoming deadlines, agencies can benefit from streamlining and automating important functions.
Taking incremental steps to improve the detection of cyber incidents and creating standard playbooks can accelerate and advance security postures as organizations continue their zero trust journey. These measures better position agencies in today’s digital threat landscape and contribute to a more secure government infrastructure.
About the Author:
Chris Cullerot is a security leader and strategist with over 18 years of experience in security management and operations. During his career, he has led various security programs and initiatives, including the incident response program for the 2016 Presidential Transition Team. Chris is currently the Director of Technology and Innovation for iTech AG, where he oversees the delivery of the company’s technical portfolio of services, including digital innovations and cybersecurity. For more information about iTech AG, visit their website at https://www.itechag.com/.