Accelerating Resilience: How Automation, AI, and Zero Trust Are Transforming Cyber Defense

At a recent panel discussion focused on cybersecurity and operational resilience, I had the opportunity to join an incredible group of leaders to unpack how automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and Zero Trust Architectures (ZTA) are shaping the future of cyber defense across government.

Hosted alongside experts like Arun Iyer (ServiceNow), Bob Cunningham (DOD), Richard Driggers (Accenture Federal), Dr. Tiina Rodrigue (CFPB), and Davon Tyler (FSA), our session spotlighted the urgent need for proactive, scalable solutions that enable agencies to outpace increasingly sophisticated threats.

As the Department of Defense’s first Customer Experience Officer (CXO), I brought a user-centered lens to the conversation—emphasizing that security can’t come at the expense of usability. Automation and AI must be designed to empower, not encumber, the workforce. When we streamline processes and reduce manual overhead, we give our cyber professionals the space to focus on high-value tasks and strategic decision-making.

We also discussed how Zero Trust isn’t just a security model—it’s a mindset. By assuming no user or system is inherently trustworthy, we create a more resilient foundation for delivering critical government services, even in the face of disruption.

A few key takeaways from the session:

• Automation helps reduce response times and eliminate repeatable tasks, freeing up talent for mission-critical work.

• AI and machine learning enable smarter threat detection and predictive analytics.

• Zero Trust reinforces a culture of verification, accountability, and continuous improvement.

This evolving ecosystem isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about preserving trust in the systems that millions of Americans rely on every day. I’m grateful to have been part of this important discussion and look forward to continued collaboration as we advance cyber readiness across the federal landscape.