Symantec’s Chris Townsend: CDM Program Could Help Agencies Improve Cyber Functionality

Chris Townsend, vice president of federal at Symantec, said federal agencies should use the Department of Homeland Security’s Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program as a “springboard” to build up their cybersecurity posture.

“For many, that will include a defense-in-depth approach where they build their security architecture into a cohesive system structured around network and data visibility,” Townsend wrote in a GCN article published Friday.

He said the defense-in-depth approach could help track data throughout its lifecycle and explained how CDM could further benefit agencies.

“CDM can serve as the driver for agencies to implement an integrated cyber defense strategy that helps solve this integration complexity, which includes multiple data structures, data control challenges and complex workflows,” he noted.

Townsend also mentioned a bill introduced by Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) on CDM and cited how the measure has helped revive the conversation over the program.