FCW Big Issues: Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Conference

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The Department of Homeland Security and the General Services Administration created the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program in 2012 with the vision that all federal networks would be continuously scanned to identify and respond to threats and breaches. Yet a May 2018 report by the Office of Management and Budget found that most federal agencies remain at risk, and cannot detect when large amounts of information leave their networks.

FCW’s Big Issues: CDM Conference brings government and industry together to do a deep dive on CDM. The event hosts CDM program leaders, as well as those from agencies and industry who work every day to improve diagnostics and mitigation. This year’s program includes DHS and GSA leaders to discuss the evolution of the program and changes underway to improve implementation and effectiveness. These include:

• The rollout of Phase 3, which moves oversight from “what” and “who” is on the network to what is happening on the network
• The new GSA contracting vehicle, CDM DEFEND, which gives agencies more flexibility in implementation, and the new Special Item Number for CDM tools
• The restructuring at DHS to include new advisory boards and outreach to stakeholders
• The move into Phases 3 and 4, while maintaining Phases 1 and 2

Big Issues: CDM also is a platform for government agency CDM specialists and contractors to discuss implementation and operations. We will hear about best practices and ongoing challenges with Phases 1 and 2, and as well as preparations for Phase 3 and beyond. Topics will include business operations, staffing and funding, and industry partnerships, as well as ideas for improvement.