Eric Trexler, senior vice president of U.S. public sector at Palo Alto Networks, said federal agencies have advanced zero trust modernization efforts in the last two years with an increasing focus on outcomes, Federal News Network reported Wednesday.
“We’re seeing some maturity and understanding of what customers actually want from an outcome perspective in how they’re thinking about zero trust,” Trexler told FNN in an interview.
Federal agencies are working to meet the Sept. 30 deadline to implement a zero trust architecture in accordance with the White House’s federal zero trust strategy.
“It’s still early on and still a problem. So when we sit down with a customer, oftentimes, they’re talking about how they meet the checklist or that segment of the project that they’re trying to deliver upon. We’ve got to drive for outcomes. We’re not there yet. My belief is it’s coming,” Trexler stated.
The Palo Alto Networks executive noted that federal agencies are making strides in advancing identity security as part of their zero trust adoption.
Trexler also cited how artificial intelligence and automation free up cyber defense professionals at agencies to focus on more critical problems.