As Federal agencies are working to move toward zero trust security architectures, the head of the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) urged agencies this week to submit proposals for TMF funding to help accelerate their zero trust efforts.
The TMF – which is administered by the General Services Administration (GSA) – was created in 2017 under the Modernizing Government Technology Act to provide money to Federal civilian agencies to undertake tech modernization projects.
“As more Federal agencies embrace zero trust with the help of TMF, we can expect to see a more secure and resilient Federal IT landscape. However, without continued support from programs like TMF, the adoption of zero trust may be slower and more challenging,” TMF Executive Director Larry Bafundo said in an Aug. 13 blog post.
“Federal agencies that have not yet embraced zero trust should submit a proposal for TMF funding,” Bafundo stressed. “With TMF’s support and resources, agencies can accelerate their zero trust journey, ensuring a more secure future for themselves and the nation.”
Bafundo pointed to the Department of Education’s ongoing zero trust project, which will receive $20 million from TMF.
The Education Department is using the money to focus on crucial “next-generational action” in two big areas: strengthening and growing the agency’s program management capability in the zero trust architecture space as well as implementing the necessary technology to fill in any security gaps.
Other agencies that have received TMF funding for zero trust efforts include the Office of Personnel Management, the United States Agency for International Development, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the GSA.
“By investing in zero trust through TMF, we can ensure that our nation’s critical infrastructure and sensitive data are protected against ever-evolving cyber threats,” Bafundo said. “This investment will pay dividends in the long run, providing a more secure foundation for the future of Federal IT.”
Separately on Aug. 13, Mark Stanley – the enterprise cybersecurity architect and zero trust lead at NASA – noted that his agency is working to implement zero trust, but it will be a long journey.
“One of the things that I’m signaling to our colleagues across NASA and our partners is that, in terms of zero trust, we’re on a journey. It’s going to take us years to get there,” Stanley said during a webinar hosted by Federal News Network.
“However, it’s a journey without end, because as we continue to mature, our adversaries are going to continue to adapt, and we’re going to have to try and stay ahead of them as best we can in the future,” he added.
For any agencies looking to accelerate their zero trust journey with TMF funding, Bafundo encouraged them to visit the TMF website or email tmf@gsa.gov.
