Original Broadcast 4/23/25
Presented by Booz Allen
As federal agencies race to meet the Department of Defense’s 2027 mandate for full zero trust implementation, the path forward can feel murky. While zero trust is a buzzword tossed around conference rooms and strategy decks, transforming it into a functional architecture requires far more than just buying new tools. In a recent episode of the Fed Gov Today podcast, Ryan Zacha, Solutions Architect at Booz Allen, shares insights on what it really takes to bring zero trust strategies to life across government environments.
At the heart of successful implementation is robust industry-government collaboration. Zacha highlights Booz Allen’s partnership with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) through the Thunderdome program. This initiative serves as a blueprint for how industry and government can coalesce into unified teams. DISA maintains the contract vehicle and engages DoD components, while Booz Allen works hands-on with organizations to identify capability gaps, evaluate technologies, and guide implementation. This model ensures agencies aren’t navigating the zero trust maze alone.
Zacha also points to data wrangling as the most persistent stumbling block. Agencies frequently struggle with identifying, labeling, and managing their data in a zero trust context. While DoD CIO is working to standardize zero trust data formats, agencies shouldn’t wait. Starting the groundwork now—mapping data, identifying access requirements, and evaluating existing controls—prepares agencies for smoother transitions once official frameworks are finalized.
Importantly, Zacha calls for agencies to not just claim compliance but prove it through rigorous testing. Booz Allen employs red team and purple team exercises tied to the MITRE ATT&CK framework to validate that systems are genuinely reducing risk—disrupting lateral movement and protecting the “crown jewels.” Heat maps, dashboards, and implementation plans offer visual clarity into progress and gaps, but testing is the ultimate benchmark of a zero trust environment’s efficacy.
Ultimately, zero trust is not a product—it’s a mindset. Agencies must resist the lure of one-click solutions and embrace the tough, iterative work of cultural change, strategic planning, and continuous validation. As Zacha notes, connecting with peers, learning from agencies that have made strides, and tapping into resources like Thunderdome can accelerate this journey. The path to zero trust success is complex, but with the right partnerships and a proactive approach, it’s entirely achievable.
Cultural readiness is just as critical as technical capability. Fear and hesitation can stall progress more than a lack of tools.
Zero trust begins with a solid strategy, not a product purchase. Agencies must build tailored roadmaps grounded in their data, users, and mission.
Real success is validated through testing. Red team exercises and attack simulations ensure that zero trust isn’t just theoretical—it works in practice.
Ryan Recently appeared on Zero Trust: In Depth.
Zero Trust is more than a cybersecurity framework—it’s a fundamental shift in how government agencies protect their networks, data, and operations. As the Department of Defense pushes toward its 2027 Zero Trust implementation goal, civilian agencies are also transforming their security postures to meet evolving threats. In this special program, sponsored by Booz Allen, Francis Rose talks with cybersecurity leaders from DISA, the State Department, GAO, and Booz Allen about the progress agencies are making, the challenges they’re facing, and the strategies that will define the future of Zero Trust across government. Watch