The CDC is set to welcome fresh leadership
In the realm of government agencies, there have been significant strides made in recent times, with a focus on enhancing identity security, advancing upskilling opportunities, and making key leadership appointments.
Identity Security
One of the notable developments comes from the company 1Kosmos, which has achieved a unique dual certification—both FedRAMP High Authorization and Kantara certification. This achievement allows government agencies to obtain the highest federal security standards while retaining deployment flexibility tailored to agency needs. The platform offers a scaleable solution, ranging from simple document verification to advanced digital identity wallets, giving citizens strong control over their information [1].
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has also announced plans to require digital identity verification for phone services by 2025, reflecting a broader trend towards digital identity verification to secure government services and protect citizen data [3]. Microsoft has introduced an Identity Security initiative to improve identity threat detection and response, focusing on minimizing attack surfaces by eliminating vulnerable configurations and stale accounts, thereby helping government entities harden their identity security posture proactively [5].
Upskilling Opportunities
In the UK, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is planning ongoing improvements to training and behavioral standards for private security professionals to reflect public safety demands. This includes a strategic review cycle of pre-application qualifications and licensing criteria to ensure individuals are “fit and proper” through robust training and continuous qualification updates [2].
The Australian Department of Home Affairs is working to create career paths and improve capability in security professions by providing career opportunities that encourage upskilling within the department, aiming to build better overall capability in national security functions [4].
Leadership Appointments
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced new leadership roles in national security. Hamish Hansford has been appointed as Head of National Security, with a structure including two deputy secretaries: Ciara Spencer leading law enforcement and domestic security, Pete Anstee heading Counter Foreign Interference, Cyber, and Tech, and Andrew Warnes leading the Criminal Justice Division. This leadership is designed to create stronger policy and programming coordination across security domains for better outcomes [4].
A significant change has also occurred at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with Susan Monarez, who will be the first CDC director without a medical degree in more than 70 years, having been confirmed by the Senate to serve as the new CDC director [6].
These developments reflect a clear government-wide emphasis on superior identity security frameworks, continuous professional development in security roles, and strengthened leadership to address evolving security challenges and protect public trust [1][2][3][4][5].
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References:
[1] 1Kosmos Achieves Dual FedRAMP High Authorization and Kantara Certification: https://1kosmos.com/press-releases/1kosmos-achieves-dual-fedramp-high-authorization-and-kantara-certification/
[2] SIA outlines plans for enhanced training and behavioural standards for private security professionals: https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/news/sia-outlines-plans-for-enhanced-training-and-behavioural-standards-for-private-security-professionals/
[3] Social Security Administration to Require Digital Identity Verification for Phone Services by 2025: https://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pressrelease/2022/PR22-19.html
[4] Australian Department of Home Affairs appoints new Head of National Security and deputy secretaries for key security functions: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/current-issues/australian-department-of-home-affairs-appoints-new-head-of-national-security-and-deputy-secretaries-for-key-security-functions
[5] Microsoft Announces Identity Security Initiative to Improve Identity Threat Detection and Response: https://news.microsoft.com/2022/11/02/microsoft-announces-identity-security-initiative-to-improve-identity-threat-detection-and-response/
[6] Susan Monarez Confirmed as CDC Director: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0519-monarez-confirmation.html
- The advancements in identity security are evident, with 1Kosmos obtaining dual FedRAMP High Authorization and Kantara certification, allowing government agencies to utilize the highest federal security standards tailored to their needs.
- In an endeavor to secure government services and protect citizen data, the Social Security Administration plans to require digital identity verification for phone services by 2025.
- Microsoft has launched an Identity Security initiative, focusing on minimizing attack surfaces and improving identity threat detection and response.
- The Security Industry Authority in the UK is planning to improve training and behavioral standards for private security professionals to align with public safety demands.
- The Australian Department of Home Affairs is creating career paths and enhancing capabilities in security professions by offering opportunities that encourage upskilling.
- The Australian Department of Home Affairs has appointed new leadership in national security, including Hamish Hansford as Head of National Security, with sought-after expertise across various security domains.
- A change at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saw Susan Monarez, the first CDC director without a medical degree in over 70 years, confirmed by the Senate to serve as the new CDC director.
- Developments in identity security, upskilling opportunities, and leadership appointments signify a commitment by government agencies to address evolving security challenges and protect public trust. Additionally, following general news updates, including those related to science, healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, business, data and cloud computing, technology, education and self-development, career development, policy and legislation, politics, skills training, and sports, including sports betting, can help individuals stay informed.
