Trusting your network, sharing information, leveraging new tools.

The DoD has targeted 2027 as the date to make the transition to Zero Trust. The initiative includes 91 activities and 7 pillars; additionally, it wants the result to be flexible beyond 2027.  This is an interview that includes a Major from the Army and a commercial subject matter expert who look at challenges and solutions to achieving that goal.

The discussion focuses on three areas: role of constant communications, inter service communication, and the concept of fabric at the edge for improved communications. 

During the discussion, Major Cory Dombrowski mentioned the challenge of identifying people at the edge.  In a world of constant communications, identification is the first step. If it takes a week to complete authentication, it may comply with the zero trust principles, but have no value.  

If the Army gets attacked, they should be able to share that information with other branches of the military. In the interview, the participants talk about needing open lines of communications to be able to use data across departments.

However, parts of the DoD have made remote zero trust a reality. New systems have allowed segments to take in data, apply rules, and apply remediation. Edge based fabric allows them to authenticate remotely and optimize speed.