International Collaboration | AI Integration | Cybersecurity Leadership

June 9, 2024

Presented by Leidos

In this week's episode of Fed Gov Today, hosted by Francis Rose, the program delves into the latest developments in international law enforcement collaboration, the impact of artificial intelligence on federal agencies, and reflections from the former Federal Chief Information Security Officer on the state of cybersecurity in government. Patrick J. Lechleitner discusses ICE's leadership role in the Five Eyes law enforcement group. Seth Abrams explores AI's transformative effects on enterprise operations highlighting Leidos' use of Trusted Mission AI. Chris DeRusha shares insights from his tenure as Federal CISO and the progress made in federal cybersecurity initiatives.

ICE Leads International Law Enforcement Collaboration

Patrick J. Lechleitner, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), shares insights into ICE's role as the chair of the Five Eyes law enforcement group. This partnership, involving the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, aims to enhance collaboration in combating transnational crime. Lechleitner highlights the importance of established relationships among federal law enforcement agencies and the need for regular leadership meetings to coordinate efforts across various mission spaces, including IT, logistics, and criminal investigations.

The discussion also covers ICE's modernization efforts to improve transparency and data sharing. Lechleitner emphasizes the significance of data sharing for operational success and describes the creation of user-friendly data dashboards for public and partner access. ICE's modernization initiatives extend beyond IT improvements, focusing on enhancing business processes, such as hiring and position management, to better serve internal and external stakeholders.

Key Takeaways:

• The Five Eyes law enforcement group enhances international collaboration to combat transnational crime.
• ICE's modernization efforts aim to improve data transparency and accessibility for the public and partners.
• Business process improvements are a critical component of ICE's enterprise transformation, supported by advanced technologies like A
  
  

Harnessing AI for Enhanced Enterprise Operations

Seth Abrams, Chief Technology Officer, Homeland and Force Protection at Leidos, discusses the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in federal agencies. He emphasizes the need for agencies to focus on mission results when adopting new technologies, ensuring that existing quality controls are maintained. Abrams highlights the benefits of applying Trusted Mission AI in handling large data sets and improving
developer productivity, which can significantly enhance code quality and security.

Abrams explains the importance of establishing guardrails for AI experimentation, as well as the need to focus on technology anticipation, given the speed at which AI is moving. He
describes the Leidos Framework for AI Resilience and Security at Leidos, which provides a structured approach for agencies to integrate AI responsibly. Abrams also addresses the dual challenges of leveraging AI for agency efficiency while
defending against adversaries using similar technologies.

Key Takeaways:

• AI adoption should focus on mission results and maintain established quality controls.
• AI excels in managing large data sets and enhancing developer productivity.
• Establishing guardrails for AI experimentation is crucial for responsible innovation and security.

 Reflections on Federal Cybersecurity Progress

Chris DeRusha, Former Federal Chief Information Security Officer and Deputy National Cyber Director, reflects on his tenure and the progress made in federal cybersecurity. He highlights the significant advancements driven by the National Cyber Strategy and Executive Order 14028, which set aggressive timelines for enhancing cybersecurity across federal agencies. DeRusha discusses the importance of integrating Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) into agency leadership and the role of cultural values in achieving cybersecurity goals.

DeRusha underscores the ongoing nature of cybersecurity efforts, noting the ever-evolving threats and technological landscape. He emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and adaptation. Additionally, he mentions the strategic importance of secure by design principles and the implementation of secure software attestation forms to ensure that government-purchased technologies meet stringent security standards.

Key Takeaways:

• Significant progress has been made in federal cybersecurity through strategic initiatives and executive orders.
• Integrating CISOs into agency leadership is crucial for effective cybersecurity governance.
• Continuous improvement and secure by design principles are essential for adapting to evolving cybersecurity threats