How Government is Balancing Data Access and Security

Agencies are learning how to secure data while maintaining accessibility in their operations.
This episode is sponsored by Cohesity.
Bad actors accessing sensitive government data through vulnerable weak points is an ongoing concern for federal IT officials, who are making securing data a top priority amid digital modernization. Challenges in data security arise when you need to balance it with efficient data access while keeping threat actors out.
In this episode, we break down some of the best practices in this area and feature insights from federal leaders at the departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense.
Cited officials include:
โข Army Cyber Commandโs Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett
โข DOD Principal Director for Cybersecurity Mark Hakun
โข VA Deputy CISO Jeff Spaeth

Season 5 Episode 20 - How Government is Balancing Data Access and Security

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Ross Gianfortune Managing Editor GovCIO Media & Research
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The Next AI Wave Requires Stronger Cyber Defenses, Data Management
IT officials warn of new vulnerabilities posed by AI as agencies continue to leverage the tech to boost operational efficiency.
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Federal CIOs Push for ROI-Focused Modernization to Advance Mission Goals
CIOs focus on return on investment, data governance and application modernization to drive mission outcomes as agencies adopt new tech tools.
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Agencies Push Data-Driven Acquisition Reforms to Boost Efficiency
New initiatives aim to increase visibility of agency spending, improve data quality and create avenues to deploy solutions across government.
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Data Transparency Essential to Government Reform, Rep. Sessions Says
Co-Chair of the Congressional DOGE Caucus Rep. Pete Sessions calls for data sharing and partnerships to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
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DOD Turns to Skills-Based Hiring to Build Next-Gen Cyber Workforce
Mark Gorak discusses DODโs efforts to build a diverse cyber workforce, including skills-based hiring and partnerships with over 480 schools.
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DOD Can No Longer Assume Superiority in Digital Warfare, Officials Warn
The DOD must make concerted efforts to address cyber vulnerabilities to maintain the tactical edge, military leaders said at HammerCon 2025.
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New NSF Program Cultivates the Future of NextG Networks
The agencyโs new VINES program looks to tackle key challenges like energy efficiency and future-proofing wireless tech.
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Tracking CIOs in Trump's Second Term
Stay informed on the latest shifts in federal technology leadership as new CIOs are appointed and President Trump's second term takes shape.
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DHA CDAO Spearheads Master Data Catalog to Boost Transparency
Jesus Caban plans to boost DHA's data maturity through a new master data catalog, governance frameworks and inventory of tech tools.
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IRS Makes Direct File Code Public as Lawmakers Debate Programโs Fate
The agency sees the Direct File source code as beneficial to government digital services despite what happens with it in proposed budgets.
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Inside Oak Ridge National Labโs Pioneer Approach to AI
Energy Departmentโs Oak Ridge National Lab transforms AI vulnerabilities into strategic opportunities for national defense.
22m listen -
A Look at Federal Zero Trust Transformation
Recent developments from CISA and DOD show how government is advancing zero trust quickly.
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