Security Automation for Federal Agencies

This report examines the readiness of federal agencies to implement security automation in accordance with the Zero Trust executive order issued by the Biden Administration. It outlines the findings from a survey conducted with over 100 security professionals and executives within U.S. federal agencies. The survey aimed to assess the confidence levels of these agencies in meeting the security automation requirements mandated by Memorandum M-22-09. Key findings indicate that 67% of agencies feel confident about their preparedness, while 83% report having open security team positions. The report highlights the challenges faced by these agencies, including the difficulty in filling security roles and the reliance on low-code security automation solutions to enhance operational efficiency. The document also discusses the benefits and limitations of low-code versus no-code solutions, emphasizing the need for effective tools to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity in the public sector. Overall, it serves as a resource for understanding the current landscape of security automation in federal agencies.