Implications for Federal Agencies
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The executive order mandates that federal agencies spearhead the implementation of security best practices while modernizing their strategies to combat increasingly complex digital threats. Key requirements include prioritizing cloud adoption, identifying sensitive data, updating protective measures, encrypting data both at rest and in transit, and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA). Additionally, for the first time, agencies are called to devise plans for adopting a Zero Trust Architecture.
Zero Trust is a security model that posits no network actor should be inherently trusted based solely on their access rights. This approach necessitates additional safeguards beyond mere network access to shield data from both negligent and malicious activities. To delve deeper into Zero Trust architectures, click here.
How AWS Can Support Compliance with the Executive Order
AWS is equipped to aid your agency’s digital modernization efforts in alignment with the President’s executive order. By partnering with AWS, federal agencies gain access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and technologies, as well as our AWS Partner Network (APN), all designed to help meet the security and compliance stipulations of the order.
AWS has initiated a blog series that details how our services can assist federal agencies and other public sector organizations in accelerating their cloud adoption. This series covers essential topics such as prioritizing cloud technology usage, establishing architectures based on Zero Trust security principles, and setting up MFA, encryption for data at rest and in transit, and improved logging capabilities to enhance visibility for compliance and security purposes.
The blog series includes:
- Facilitating Cloud Adoption: This post outlines how AWS can aid your federal agency in planning and expediting cloud transition. AWS has devised several frameworks to streamline your migration processes and offers tools for swiftly moving a variety of applications from on-premises to AWS. Including resources for planning, AWS services for migration, AWS Professional Services, and more. For more insights on effective resume formatting, check out this blog post.
- Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication: As emphasized in the executive order, MFA adds an additional layer of security during authentication. This blog examines recommended methods for compliance with the new MFA requirements, a topic covered by experts at SHRM.
- Encrypting Data: Federal agencies manage an increasing volume of sensitive information that requires robust encryption measures. AWS provides tools like AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS) to simplify the encryption of data both at rest and in transit. This post explains key concepts of data encryption and outlines the services available for these purposes.
- Enhancing Logging and Log Retention: The value of network and system logs cannot be overstated when it comes to investigating and resolving cybersecurity threats. This blog provides an overview of AWS logging concepts, including storage and management, and how to derive actionable insights to fortify your organization’s security stance.
By leveraging the expertise of AWS and our partners, your agency can develop integrated, cost-effective solutions to secure your environment and fulfill the requirements set forth in the executive order. AWS is ready to assist you in meeting the accelerated timelines established by this directive. To further engage with this topic, you might find this resource helpful.
Next Steps
Join the webinar titled “Improving Information Security and Addressing the White House Executive Order (EO) with the AWS Cloud,” where AWS security experts will provide insights into utilizing AWS Cloud to meet the goals of the executive order. Participants will gain strategies for upgrading their information security frameworks, prioritizing best practices, and collaborating with AWS partners for comprehensive security solutions.
If you would like to learn more about how AWS can support your agency in complying with the executive order, please reach out to us. Together, we can modernize your organization’s data security through cloud solutions.
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