The Intelligence Community (IC) isn’t waiting for tomorrow’s tech to arrive – they’re building the foundation today. In a clear call to action, IC Chief Information Officer Adele Merritt presented the IC’s latest roadmap before the crowd at the DoD Intelligence Information System (DODIIS) Worldwide Conference. The roadmap is a five-pronged guide to secure the future by strengthening cybersecurity, enhancing data systems, and fostering a workforce primed for the digital age.
1. Digital Foundation & Cloud Expansion
The IC’s cloud journey, nearly a decade long, demonstrates how critical a digital foundation is. This roadmap prioritizes cloud optimization across all conditions, including for officers in contested environments, ensuring data access is always at hand. For Merritt, it’s about “data anytime, anywhere” – a vision that relies on interoperability and unified standards.
2. Cybersecurity Reimagined Through Zero Trust
The zero-trust approach isn’t a checkbox; it’s a mindset shift. Instead of relying on traditional perimeter defenses, zero trust challenges the IC to secure its systems from the inside out, ensuring secure data sharing across IC agencies. Merritt stressed that the roadmap’s cybersecurity strategy isn’t just policy; it’s an evolving posture designed to handle ever-looming threats.
3. Interoperability: Breaking Down Silos for Smarter Collaboration
True collaboration demands flexibility. Merritt advocates for an interoperable environment that lets the IC communicate seamlessly with both old allies and new. From virtual collaboration to accessibility tools, the roadmap acknowledges that the IC’s missions rely on the smooth, secure exchange of information across diverse partners.
4. Data-Centric Operations
Data is the IC’s strategic “fuel.” This roadmap recognizes data as not just information, but a powerful asset that needs to be shareable, accurate, and immediately useful. By fostering a decentralized, integrated data system, the IC can make faster, more insightful decisions in real time, leveraging data analytics across domains to drive its missions forward.
5. Future-Proofing Workforce & Technology
The IC’s future depends on a workforce that’s skilled and ready to adapt. Acknowledging that traditional qualifications don’t always predict success in dynamic fields like cybersecurity, the roadmap’s emphasis on skills over degrees is notable. Merritt champions the IC’s evolving focus on practical expertise, restating the common adage that “our greatest asset is our people.” The IC’s future workforce will reflect a balance of cutting-edge skills and hands-on adaptability.
An Open Call for Collaboration
In closing, Merritt issued a rallying cry for industry partners to join the IC in meeting these goals. This roadmap isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about ensuring the IC can keep pace with fast-evolving tech landscapes. Merritt is clear: with strong alliances and adaptable systems, the IC won’t just keep up – it’ll lead.
The roadmap is more than a list of goals; it’s a blueprint for a secure, data-driven future that evolves with the threats it’s built to counter. Dive into the full roadmap here to learn more.
