Expert: Agencies Shift Focus to Zero Trust Outcomes

A shift of focus is transpiring within public agencies regarding zero trust adoption, according to Eric Trexler, senior vice president of Palo Alto Network’s U.S. public sector unit.

Trexler noted that agencies are now looking forward to the outcomes of deploying zero trust architectures rather than just ticking off checklists set by different offices and departments, including the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Defense, Federal News Network reported.

Since 2022, federal agencies have been working to abide by the White House’s zero trust strategy to meet the Sept. 30 deadline.

Trexler, a 4×24 member, observed a growing maturity in the public sector’s understanding of zero trust principles. However, he said challenges persist, particularly in coordinating security efforts across the complex, federated landscape of government agencies.

While progress has been made, especially on the identity pillar, many agencies may not be able to fully adopt a zero trust architecture on the deadline, according to Trexler.

And as agencies refine their zero trust strategies, Trexler said a holistic approach to organizational protection is expected to become a priority.