Network monitoring, detection, and response

Challenge: USDA’s nearly 100,000 employees are spread across more than 4,500 locations in the U.S. and abroad. Its 29 agencies and bureaus work in areas ranging from rural development and forest management to nutrition programs, agricultural research, and international trade. USDA also houses the National Finance Center, which provides payroll services for over 600,000 employees and financial services for over 40 agencies. These vital functions generate large volumes of sensitive information that need safeguarding.

Approach: With TMF support, USDA is implementing new software tools to improve its cybersecurity posture, including applications that will enhance automated threat hunting and detection, improve visibility of encrypted network traffic, and reduce risks to data and continuity of service. This investment will:

• Improve USDA’s ability to prevent, detect, and remediate network intrusions
• Move USDA towards a zero trust architecture and meet requirements of national executive orders
• Deploy security tools to protect its public-facing websites, which are used to access information and services on farm loans, food safety inspections, nutrition assistance, and beyond