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

Blockchain on Your Block

Beyond its use for cryptocurrency, Blockchain is proving to be a valuable technology to help modernize government service delivery. The key quality of blockchain is its ability to record transactions immutably. Managing transactions is a key function of state and local governments, and as such, they are looking for ways to incorporate blockchain as part of their digital modernization processes.

The decentralization of blockchain provides a level of transparency and accountability not typically associated with government. It can give citizens more control over their data and let them more easily check the status of requests they've made of their state and local governments. Continue reading

Next Gen Tech Needs Next Gen Acquisition

The speed at which technology evolves presents many challenges for the federal government, the first being the actual acquisition of solutions. Government procurement processes and policies have had to adjust and evolve to enable agencies to buy and implement the emerging technologies that support their mission.

Utilizing Existing Platforms

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) may be the largest and most visible example of this evolution, allowing agencies to securely acquire cloud solutions. The program is being used as a platform to ensure that other transformative technologies, like the cloud, can securely make their way into government systems. The Emerging Technology Prioritization Framework provides guidance on how cloud service providers can request their emerging tech-powered products be prioritized and then implemented. The initial focus will be on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, focusing on chat interfaces, code generators and debugging tools, image generators, and associated application program interfaces. Continue reading

The Top Healthcare IT Events to Watch for in 2024

From artificial intelligence (AI) to predictive analytics, edge computing, and beyond, healthcare organizations have access to a wealth of technologies that can help improve patient care and clinical performance--and there are many more tools on the horizon. This year's healthcare IT conferences will be full of valuable insights about how these solutions can lead to better patient outcomes while helping organizations overcome some of the industry's biggest challenges, including cybersecurity threats, staffing shortages, budget constraints, and more.

Check out These Leading Healthcare IT Events:

  • AI in Healthcare (Sept. 5-6; Boston, MA) - The AI in Healthcare Forum cuts through the hype and offers a comprehensive showcase of real-world examples illustrating the transformative potential of AI across the healthcare continuum. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest advancements and forge connections with industry leaders driving the future of healthcare forward.
  • Health IT Summit (Sept. 19; Rockville, MD) - Government is strategizing the next phase of health IT transformation to combat future health crises and advance health care, research and software implementation. In this process, agencies are employing new concepts and tools to further health agency missions across the public sector. Join GOVCIO as federal health IT leaders discuss the latest developments in public health through topics such as electronic health records (EHR) modernization, emerging tech investments, data interoperability and sharing, and more.

For further information on upcoming Healthcare IT events recommended by Carahsoft, please check out this blog.

Developing an AI Training Plan for the Government Workforce

In talking about AI, there is a lot of discussion about "training the models"--feeding large amounts of data into an algorithm and then examining the results to ensure they are accurate. Once the models are deployed, the training does not stop for the models, and even more importantly, for its users.

A study from Deloitte estimates that generative AI could help boost productivity tenfold. However, this jump in efficiency will only be realized if AI and its outputs are being used correctly. Working with AI and AI-generated content requires a different set of skills that include critical thinking, algorithmic understanding, data analysis, deeper domain knowledge, cyber/data hygiene, and more. Continue reading