Exploring AI Trends and Cybersecurity Evolution in the Federal Tech Landscape with Jason Miller

Jason Miller is the Executive Editor of Federal News Network and has covered the federal technology space over the course of five Presidential administrations. He brings his wealth of knowledge as he joins Tech Transforms to talk about AI, the top things government agencies are working towards this year and his predictions around FedRAMP changes. Jason also pulls on his decades of experience as he discusses events that changed the nation's approach to cybersecurity and the longstanding need to have data that is better, faster and easier to use.Key Topics00:00 AI's impact on texting and cloud's significance.04:17 Federal Enterprise Risk Management in government tech.07:20 AI trends shifting toward real-time application.11:22 2025 and 2027 deadlines for zero trust.13:31 CISOs and CIOs adapting to modern technology.16:45 Frustration with FedRAMP leads to reform efforts.21:39 Applying similar model to expand decision-making.23:37 GSA discussed OSCAL at private industry day.27:55 CISA's role has grown within DHS.30:33 Increased transparency in cybersecurity changed approach significantly.34:17 Reflecting on the 2006 significance of data.39:19 AFCEA events bring together good people.42:53 Fascination with government architecture and dedicated government workers.44:35 Promoting positivity and accountability in government industry.Cybersecurity Evolution: Examining Technology's Political Neutrality and AI Commitment Through Administrative ChangesConsistent Focus on Cybersecurity Evolution Across Political AdministrationsJason expressed a clear conviction that technology issues are largely immune to political fluctuation and are a continuity in government agendas. Reflecting on his experience across five administrations, he noted that the foundational technological discussions, such as cloud adoption, cybersecurity enhancement and overall IT improvement are fundamentally preserved through transitions in political leadership. He highlighted that the drive to enhance government IT is typically powered by the resilience and dedication of public servants, who generally carry on valuable reforms and initiatives regardless of the sitting administration's politics. These individuals are essential to sustaining progress and ensuring that technology remains a key priority for effective governance.Federal IT Policies Consistency: "No one comes in and says, I'm against AI, or cloud is bad, move back on premise, or cybersecurity, defund cybersecurity. I think those are the issues that stay the same." — Jason MillerExecutive Orders and AI AdoptionAddressing the specifics of executive orders, particularly those influencing the implementation and development of artificial intelligence (AI), Jason examined their historical persistence and their potential to shape operational practices in the government sector. He and Mark discussed how the stability of AI-related orders through various administrations is indicative of a broader governmental consensus on the integral role AI holds in modernizing federal operations. Despite changes in leadership, the incoming officials frequently uphold the momentum established by their predecessors when it comes to leveraging AI. Indicating a shared, bipartisan recognition of its strategic importance to the government's future capabilities and efficiencies.Cybersecurity Evolution: Zero Trust Principles and Network Security Challenges in Federal AgenciesZero Trust and Cybersecurity BudgetingDuring the podcast, Carolyn and Jason delve into the current trends and expectations for federal cybersecurity advancements, with a particular focus on zero trust architecture. Their discussion acknowledged that agencies are on a tight schedule to meet the...