Podcast
Feds at the Edge
Hosted by FedInsider · EN
The federal government is changing the way it handles data. It is transitioning from an on premises data center approach to the cloud. Further, it is getting data from a wide ranging number of sensors. Feds at the Edge is a podcast that addresses those concerns
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 255 Responding to Ransomware
6d ago00:59:05Tap to summarizeRansomware has become a far more serious threat to government than many organizations realize, and it's no longer just about paying a ransom. This week on Feds At the Edge, cybersecurity experts explore what agencies can do to strengthen their defenses, including adopting Zero Trust principles, improving network segmentation, and planning for recovery before an attack occurs. Cesar Gamez from City of Roseville, CA explains how ransomware attacks have evolved, from encrypting files for financial gain to tactics that threaten to expose sensitive data or target victims' customers if demands aren't met. And Travis Rosiek of Rubrik Public Sector, introduces an even more alarming trend: "wiper" attacks. Unlike traditional ransomware, these attacks - often associated with nation-state actors - are designed to permanently destroy or corrupt data, leaving organizations with nothing to recover even if they were willing to pay. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform as our guests also examine the security challenges of hybrid and cloud environments and explain why collaboration and information sharing are essential to staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Transcribe →Ep. 254 The Future of 6G
2w ago01:01:10Tap to summarizeTechnology is advancing at an astonishing pace. The number of connected devices per square kilometer is expected to grow from one million to ten million, and the transition to 6G is paving the way with dazzling new levels of speed and capability. This week on Feds At the Edge, Arup Bhuyan from Idaho National Laboratory, Eric Freer from Sterling, and Jorge Escobar from Nokia explore how download speeds could increase from 1 GB per second to 100 GB per second, dramatically reducing latency and making it possible for federal agencies to monitor networks in real time and respond more quickly to cyber threats. We'll also explore Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) and its potential to transform everything from drone defense to intelligent network management. Hear why experts believe agencies will need creative approaches that leverage AI, advanced encryption, and zero-energy sensors to secure the next generation of networks. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform as government and industry thought leaders discuss the need for international collaboration, significant investments in research and development, and the integration of AI to build faster, smarter, and more secure networks.
Transcribe →Ep. 253 Meeting the AI Implementation Challenge – Securely
3w ago01:01:45Tap to summarizeArtificial intelligence is evolving so quickly that agencies often find it difficult to plan for future implementations. This week on Feds At The Edge, we dive into the importance of flexible infrastructure, realistic budgets, and thoughtful planning to successfully adapt to continuously evolving AI models. Sumit Puri, CSO and Co-Founder of Liqid, shares that while 86% of data resides on-premises, leaders also need to understand how the other 14% is being managed. He breaks down the key security, privacy, compliance, and performance considerations organizations should keep in mind. Ariana Tifft, Chief Data Scientist with the DoD Cyber Crime Center, explains how understanding existing resources and future requirements enables real-time planning and improved workload efficiency. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform to hear their insights, along with perspectives from experts at Optiv + ClearShark, on balancing what you have, knowing what you need, and maximizing results.
Transcribe →Ep. 252 Addressing Security Holes in Air Gapped Environments.
4w ago00:59:49Tap to summarizeWhen it comes to air-gapped networks, there is an assumption that this is the ultimate protection for Federal networks. This week on Feds At the Edge, we speak with three federal experts who share their observations that challenge these assumptions and bring potential cracks in this seemingly impenetrable security measure to light. We'll explore how air-gapped systems can still be exposed through compromised supply chains, why patching and upgrades become more difficult without internet connectivity, and how manual data transfers using USB drives and external media can introduce new vulnerabilities. The conversation also examines critical questions around Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), software allowlisting, and strategies for blocking unauthorized executables. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform to learn why an air gap alone is not enough, and what agencies must do to protect their most sensitive systems.
Transcribe →Ep. 251 How to Translate AI into Stronger Cybersecurity
Jun 101:00:05Tap to summarizeInnovation often follows a familiar cycle: rapid expansion, followed by consolidation. Federal agencies are experiencing this firsthand as AI tools and models proliferate across their environments. This week on Feds At the Edge, technology leaders explore the challenge of rapid innovation and how agencies can regain control before the chaos of disorganized, duplicate data and tool sprawl compromises their missions. Jim Smid, Federal Solutions Architect, Palo Alto Networks, explains how observability now extends beyond servers and IoT devices to include AI models, tools, and their interactions with agency data. Jessica Souder, AIRS Specialist / Director, Public Sector, Palo Alto Networks, emphasizes that agencies should carefully evaluate new AI tools, validating them in controlled environments, and establishing governance before deployment. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform to hear why our panel of experts agree that any AI deployment should focus on the agency mission, valid data, and that all projects should commence with visibility.
Transcribe →Ep. 250 Defending the Digital State: Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Citizen Services from Ransomware Threats
May 2701:01:05Tap to summarizeAI is putting ransomware on steroids, and on this week's episode of Feds At the Edge we examine several approaches to reducing the impact of malicious actors through advanced protection strategies and smarter cybersecurity budgeting. Michael Dent, Retired CISO with Fairfax County, shares how he takes cybersecurity training to the next level with what he calls "Challenge Point," rewarding employees for identifying signs of potential attacks. Glendon Schmitz, Virginia State Corporation Commission, discusses the importance of showing leadership the direct financial impact of an attack when seeking successful budget approval. Akamai Technologies' Douglas Holland explores the emotional tactics malicious actors use to pressure unsuspecting users into complying with urgent requests. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform for more on this and ransomware-as-a-service, the long-term effects on public trust, leadership accountability, and the growing need for initiative-taking governance and budgeting.
Transcribe →Ep. 249 Smarter Security for Leaner Budgets and Teams: The Tech Transforming U.S. Government Operations
May 2100:58:24Tap to summarizeIn a recent Forrester report on federal technology, more than half of the respondents revealed they face significant negative impact from budget constraints, while a whopping 86% expect a breach. This week on Feds At the Edge we sit down with experts from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, and Carahsoft to discuss practical strategies for securing mission-critical systems, maximizing existing technology investments, and prioritizing the areas of greatest risk. We also bring in a special guest from Forrester who shares how agencies can maximize limited resources by using shared enterprise services, streamlining overlapping AI security tools, and prioritizing critical areas such as network security, data protection, and incident response.
Transcribe →Ep. 248 Unifying Data for Public Safety and National Security
May 1301:00:20Tap to summarizeOne common theme among technology leaders discussing AI deployment is the need for a "definitive source." Without trusted data, none of AI's conclusions are truly actionable. This week on Feds At the Edge, two technology leaders share practical strategies for building trustworthy AI environments while strengthening security and compliance. Jared Pane from Elastic discusses why organizations can't blindly trust AI outputs, highlighting both familiar data quality issues and emerging threats like hidden "white-space text" embedded in datasets that can carry malicious code into AI repositories. Meanwhile, Chris Bunton from Texas Dept of Agriculture, explains how automation can simplify security and compliance, including the implementation of a policy bot that provides employees with 24/7 guidance on compliance best practices. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform for practical advice for agencies beginning their AI journey: start small, solve clear problems, and build a collaborative culture that supports long-term success.
Transcribe →Ep. 247 The Role of AI In Government
May 600:59:45Tap to summarizePreparation is everything when it comes to AI in government. This week on Feds At the Edge, experts from the Library of Congress, Fortinet Federal, Pryon, Dell Technologies and Data Evolution share practical insights on moving beyond "lift and shift" approaches, selecting the right tools, and ensuring data is truly AI-ready. From treating AI tools as "perishable as tomatoes" to rethinking legacy data and modern migration strategies, the conversation highlights the importance of strong data foundations, thoughtful implementation, and continuous learning. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform for insights on how successful AI adoption depends less on the tools themselves and more on preparation, collaboration, and informed decision-making.
Transcribe →Ep. 246 Building Trusted Data for AI
Apr 2901:00:57Tap to summarizeData is the lifeblood of AI, and when it's incomplete, biased, or inaccurate, your results will be abysmal. This week on Feds At the Edge, we sit down with Geoff Schaefer of Leidos and Susan Laine from Quest to discuss how to overcome the common pitfalls and data challenges of federal AI adoption. Our guests explore the shift toward data platforms that include curated, reusable data products that improve visibility, assign trust scores, and clarify data sources and permissions. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform for insights on governance, interoperability, and ethical use, as this conversation highlights how strong data foundations are essential to making AI reliable, scalable, and mission-ready.
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