Three Approaches to Identity Management

Identity management is the way organizations control access to resources to ensure that the right individuals have access to the right resources at the right time, and it is a key pillar of zero trust architecture. In a zero trust system, a user has to validate and verify their identity continually as they access data and systems. But to function well, this process has to be seamless for the end user. Traditional security measures dependent on passwords cannot scale to meet the needs of zero trust--imagine how time-consuming and frustrating it would be to continually enter a password every time you move to a new application or data set. Fortunately, there are several approaches organizations can use to achieve high levels of both security and useability.

FIDO

Fast identity online (FIDO) is an authentication standard designed to improve security and convenience in identity management by eliminating reliance on traditional passwords. Strong authentication is achieved by using biometrics (such as fingerprints or facial recognition), security keys, or PINs stored on a local device. Continue reading

Checking Up on Digital Health Solutions

The health industry has always leaned into emerging technologies to help it become more efficient and effective in delivering patient care. Like a doctor's stethoscope or an X-ray machine, today's digital solutions are part of a continuing evolution of medical tools that enhance and inform provider care. Of course, this use of technology must be thoughtful and careful not to replace doctors or their decisions with computer-generated suggestions.

The government's role of oversight into healthcare delivery is a careful balancing act of encouraging innovation while ensuring patient safety. From medical devices to artificial intelligence (AI), regulations are evolving to ensure healthcare gains efficiencies and insights from digital solutions while maintaining patient protections. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration recently created a new Digital Health Advisory Committee to help support the development of digital health technologies and their regulation. This committee will examine a wide variety of technologies and issues, including AI, cyber security, and equity in healthcare delivery. Continue reading

Department Spotlight: Veterans Affairs

Beyond its important mission of "caring for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors," the work of today's U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is guided by a strategic plan that lays out agency goals to be achieved through 2028. The projects the VA initiates over the coming years will support the following goals:

  1. Consistently communicate with customers and partners to assess and maximize performance, evaluate needs, and build long-term relationships and trust
  2. Deliver timely, accessible, and high-quality benefits, care, and services
  3. Build and maintain trust through proven stewardship, transparency, and accountability
  4. Strive toward excellence in all business operations--including governance, systems, data, and management

Several recent programs illustrate the commitment that the VA has to meeting and exceeding these goals by 2028 and beyond. Continue reading

Key Trends for Selling to Government

Selling into the government means abiding by a number of strict procurement rules around RFP submission, security and clearance compliance, and even buying lunch for customers. Luckily, in addition to these rules, government contractors can hone in their B2G marketing with clear, publicly available guidance on exactly the solutions government needs.

Each administration brings with it a new set of priorities that inform budgets and investments. As we near the halfway point of the first term of the Biden administration, there are a number of key documents that will guide what technologies and solutions government customers will buy. Continue reading