Zero Trust is a cybersecurity strategy based on the idea that networks are always at risk. Instead of trusting devices within the network, it requires every user and device to be authenticated and authorized before\u00a0accessing\u00a0data. Rolling out this approach across all Army systems is a big challenge, but it is necessary for operational readiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany organizations know they need Zero Trust, but I believe they\u2019re overwhelmed by not knowing where to begin,\u201d said Farhat Shah, a cybersecurity subject matter expert with CECOM ASIC.<\/p>\n

Shah discussed this challenge and its corresponding solution during the Warfighting Acquisition University event, \u201cOperationalizing Zero Trust \u2013 Leveraging Risk Management Framework and Artificial Intelligence,\u201d held on May 13.<\/p>\n

During the presentation,\u00a0Shah explained that the team started with a five-month project to crosswalk the 91 Zero Trust activities to the thousands of Control Correlation Identifiers in the Army\u2019s Risk Management Framework. This method aligns efforts down to the CCI level, which Shah calls \u201ccritical, because CCIs are actionable, testable elements that we use during our RMF assessments.\u201d This helps system owners use their existing compliance work to check their Zero Trust status.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal is to reduce duplication of effort,\u201d Shah said. \u201cWe want to save time and resources by leveraging existing work, and most importantly, reducing risk in a manageable and sustainable way. It is about aligning strategy, governance, and technology.\u201d<\/p>\n

The core innovation is \u201cAI Flow,\u201d an AI environment developed by CECOM ASIC. This tool processes a system\u2019s RMF test results and automates the analysis to generate a Zero Trust baseline profile. In a pilot assessment of the Army Food Management Information System, the AI completed the review in about five minutes, compared to a week for a human expert. The assessment found that the AI was 89% accurate.<\/p>\n

This system works with two agents. The first agent checks for compliance. If a system is noncompliant, the second agent investigates further, identifies specific gaps, and provides clear guidance, including references to the relevant policies and required documents. This transforms a simple compliance check into a step-by-step engineering process.<\/p>\n

With the FY 2027 deadline approaching, CECOM ASIC seeks to partner with additional system owners to expand the tool\u2019s capabilities and help them quickly assess their Zero Trust posture.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we continue to refine this process, we\u2019re not just improving the tool; we\u00a0are shaping a repeatable and scalable approach to support Zero Trust adoption across the enterprise,\u201d said Shah. \u201cIf you are interested in advancing Zero Trust automation or want to see how this approach can benefit your organization, I invite you to partner with CECOM ASIC\u00a0to evaluate and refine this process.\u201d<\/p>\n

This integration of existing frameworks and artificial intelligence provides a scalable, data-driven roadmap, that enables the Army to secure its systems and protect its data amid evolving digital threats.<\/p>\n

For those who missed the May 13 session, the presentation and materials are available online. Personnel in the Defense Industrial Base, academia, and IT or cyber communities can access the recording and slides to learn how the Army is advancing cybersecurity. Watch the full presentation here: events\/operationalizing-zero-trust-leveraging-rmf-and-ai<\/a><\/p>\n

For inquiries or collaboration, contact ASIC Cybersecurity & Electromagnetic Warfare Directorate at\u00a0Usarmy.apg.asic.mbx.zero-trust@army.mil.<\/p>\n

By SCOTT HOCHENBERG<\/em><\/p>\n

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