WaTech's Journey towards Zero Trust
Description
Want something to withstand the test of time? You need a solid foundation, a plan to guide the build process, and a willingness to see the plan through. These truths apply regardless of whether you're constructing a building or a security program. In this session, you'll start off at the ground level. You'll learn the details of the creation of a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) blueprint. A multifaceted problem set drove the need for a comprehensive & overarching strategic plan, paving the way to evolved Gartner's SASE framework. You'll then hear about Washington State's current SASE framework roadmap, including on many of the key components we are pursuing.
At the end of it, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation of how our SASE framework approach will lead to an actionable blueprint by 2024 that can uphold security at our organization now and into the future.
Speakers
Mikel B. Costello
Strategic Planning and Design Manager
WaTech
Mikel leads WaTech’s Solution Architecture, Systems Engineering, and Network Capacity Management teams while serving as WaTech’s Cloud Highway Service Owner.
With over 25 years in the IT industry, Mikel’s technical competency spans across the networking, security, and computing domains allowing him to create business value by developing comprehensive business solutions using technology.
Mikel’s expertise in enterprise architecture, computing infrastructure, and security capabilities allows him to harmonize and integrate diverse technologies into comprehensive design solutions.
Mikel pioneered (led) the development of WaTech’s zero trust blueprint which incorporates a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework, Secure Service Edge (SSE) capabilities, and zero trust methodologies into a unified action plan.
Daniel Langley
Network Security Architect
WaTech
Daniel Langley is a cyber-security professional based out of Olympia, WA. Daniel graduated from the United States Military Academy and the University of Washington.
After graduating West Point, Daniel worked as a Commissioned Army Officer in the Army Signal Corps. His last assignment was to plan, build, maintain, and secure multiple networks across multiple continents simultaneously.
After retiring from military service, Daniel continued his career in cyber-security working for both state government and in the private industry. Daniel is currently employed at WaTech in Olympia as a Network Security Architect.
Andrew Johnson
Solutions Architect
WaTech
Andrew Johnson is a solutions architect based in Olympia, WA, responsible for the State's adoption of SDWAN technology and interconnecting state government with cloud-based resources and external business partners. Andrew spearheaded the development of the state's SD-WAN strategy, oversaw proof of concept efforts, and designed solutions that have enabled the state government to leverage cutting-edge technology in serving the residents of Washington State. Additionally, he modernized the state's DNS system, transitioning it to a hybrid DNS solution that handles both on-premise and cloud-based queries.