Zero Trust and Software Application Acquisition Reform

Innovation of the Year

As the entirety of the Department of Defense positions itself to adopt zero trust for cybersecurity by 2027, the Army’s Zero Trust and Software Application Acquisition Reform effort represents a significant shift in cybersecurity and procurement strategies. Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no implicit trust, even within a network, and requires continuous verification of users and devices. This approach prioritizes data protection and minimizes vulnerabilities. Simultaneously, the Software Application Acquisition Reform effort aims to streamline and modernize the Army’s software procurement process, ensuring cost-efficiency, security, and rapid adaptation to evolving technology. These initiatives collectively enhance the Army’s cybersecurity posture, ensuring that trust is never assumed, and software acquisitions are agile, secure, and cost-effective.