Government CIO Priorities: Data Protection & Multi-Cloud (S1E22)

In 2017 the Office of Management and Budget encouraged federal agencies to move to the cloud with its “Cloud First” policy.  By 2019 this recommendation was amplified with a new strategy called “Cloud Smart.” COVID’s demands for remote work have acted as an accelerant for this transition.   Over 75% of federal agencies now work in a multi-cloud environment.

Given this “new normal,” what priorities should a federal CIO have to use the cloud effectively? In today’s interview, we sit down with federal leaders who share stories about their success in this rapidly changing environment.

Federal thought leaders from FEMA, GAO, and the U.S. Air Force University reveal how they prioritize in today’s cloud world.  Tempering this discussion are two well-known cloud technology partners from Dell Technologies and ViON.

The discussion presents viewpoints on issues like visibility, migration, and managing costs in a new federal cloud environment.

If everything is in the cloud, then old-fashioned boundaries cease to exist.  One challenge under discussion was how to assess where your data resides. Once you have a valid assessment, only then can you look at compliance.  Jeff Lush, CIO at the Air Force Academy shares how that saves money. Once he established boundaries, he learned that the location could inherit those controls.  Keeping ATOs compliant is expensive and time-consuming.

The secondary aspect of visibility is that once you know where your data resides you can make plans for accurate recovery.  Visibility also gives you the ability to block content that should not be sitting in a cloud environment.

Unfunded mandates are the bane of all federal information technology managers.  David Ciaccio suggests that one can review license charges for proprietary technology.  Funds are available from the Technology Management Fund that can be used for the transition to the cloud, and the savings from the proprietary vendors and be applied to the loan.

A flexible cloud strategy can also assist in emergency services from FEMA.  Greg Edwards lets the listeners know that FEMA has emergency response vehicles that can provide diverse communication to the cloud.  It results in communication that is both secure and resilient.

A secure transition would not be complete without securing the data.  Cameron Chehereh tells about how a cloud system will allow for automation so the status of data security can be reviewed continuously.

The thought leaders concluded the discussion that a move to the cloud is an operating model, not a light switch.   A systems administrator can reduce the cost for license and compliance, and at the same time allow for access at whatever level you require, even the amorphous Zero Trust.

To view this webinar: Government CIO Priorities: Data Protection & Multicloud.

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