Embracing Zero Trust in FY25: Ensuring Resilience in a Hostile Environment
[This is the third article of a four-part series exploring how government agencies can transform operations and drive efficiency through IT strategies in FY25]
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and persistent, traditional perimeter-based security models have become insufficient to protect critical data and infrastructure.
Today, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is a preferred solution for addressing the complexities of modern federal cybersecurity. Rooted in the principle of “never trust, always verify,” ZTA empowers organizations across government to take a proactive stance, securing sensitive systems and maintaining operational integrity in an evolving threat landscape.
Why Zero Trust?
Zero Trust challenges the outdated assumption that anything inside a network’s perimeter is safe. Instead, ZTA assumes that breaches are inevitable — or have already occurred — and focuses on minimizing the impact.
By enforcing strict access controls, continuously validating users and devices, and monitoring for anomalies in real time, ZTA protects mission-critical systems without compromising efficiency.
Core principles include:
Least-Privileged Access: Grant users and devices only the permissions required to perform their tasks, reducing potential attack surfaces.
Continuous Verification: Validate and re-check accesses based on dynamic policies and real-time data, even after initial access requests.
Data-Centric Security: Prioritize the protection of sensitive information, regardless of where it resides or who is accessing it.
These principles make ZTA not just a framework but a foundational approach to cybersecurity in today’s threat landscape.
Federal Cybersecurity Leadership: Executive Order 14028
The importance of Zero Trust in the federal IT community is underscored by EO 14028, which calls for widespread adoption of ZTA principles. The mandate requires agencies to:
Implement robust access controls, such as multifactor authentication and advanced encryption.
Transition to secure cloud services that align with ZTA frameworks.
Develop and execute ZTA strategies guided by NIST Special Publication 800-207.
For federal agencies, ZTA is more than compliance — it is a strategy for ensuring resilience in an increasingly hostile cyber environment.
Zero Trust Implementation: Overcoming Challenges
Migrating to a Zero Trust model requires careful planning and a clear understanding of organizational assets, workflows and risks. Successful implementation often includes:
Mapping Assets and Data Flows: Identify critical systems, users, and processes to establish a security baseline.
Defining Policies: Create risk-based access rules that enforce least-privileged access across all layers of the enterprise.
Phased Deployment: Roll out ZTA solutions incrementally, monitor results, and adjust based on emerging insights.
Embedding Governance: Train teams, establish oversight, and align ZTA strategies with broader organizational goals.
While these steps can be complex, they are essential for creating a robust cybersecurity framework that adapts to dynamic threats.
The Right Partner for Zero Trust Success
Implementing ZTA requires not only the right technology but also the right expertise. Trusted partners like Cherokee Federal can help organizations navigate the complexities of ZTA adoption, from developing customized strategies to deploying scalable solutions that align with mission-critical objectives. The best partners bring:
Deep Technical Expertise: The ability to design, implement, and refine ZTA frameworks tailored to unique organizational needs.
Scalable Solutions: Tools and approaches that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructures, whether on-premise, hybrid, or cloud.
Proven Experience: A track record of delivering results for high-stakes missions in complex environments.
The Future of Federal Cybersecurity
Zero Trust Architecture represents the future of cybersecurity for federal agencies. By embracing its principles, organizations can secure sensitive data, protect critical systems, and maintain operational excellence even in the face of unprecedented threats.
For those ready to take the next step, the time to act is now. Building a resilient Zero Trust framework starts with choosing the right strategy and the right partner — one capable of turning challenges into opportunities and ensuring success in a complex cyber landscape.