Federal network edge infrastructure is expanding, creating a more efficient and effective government but also inviting opportunities for novel and varied cyber threats. Artificial intelligence, cloud, remote access, and other technologies face constant targeting that threatens critical infrastructure and essential services. Today’s episode of the Government Technology Insider podcast features Shawn Smagh, Principal Intelligence Liaison at GreyNoise, sharing his expertise in the early warning signals of upcoming cyberattacks, practical steps to identify and mitigate threats, and how collaboration is key to a stronger cybersecurity posture.
The threat landscape facing government agencies is defined by compressing timelines. Average times to exploit—the time it takes a malicious actor to exploit a vulnerability—have collapsed, shrinking from over two years to a mere two days at most. Defending federal data in this environment requires both a strong defensive posture, bolstered by frameworks such as Zero Trust, and the agility to adapt to new technologies and tactics faster than adversaries. Smagh shared that internet telemetry data can provide early warning signals that agencies can use to quickly identify and mitigate threats.
“We need to make a transition now as a cyber community,” Smagh said. “Instead of asking if we’re under attack, we should be asking, ‘What is the adversary preparing to do?’ And that’s where internet telemetry data can help make a difference.”