Securing the Mission: AI, Zero Trust, and the Next Phase of Cyber Defense

Department leaders are navigating a critical shift in how trust is established and enforced across the enterprise. Initiatives like Comply-to-Connect (C2C) are bolstering identity verification, device visibility, and access control, accelerating the Department of War’s (DoW) transition to a Zero Trust architecture. Concurrently, artificial intelligence is transforming decision-making, risk identification, and mission execution. By integrating AI into cybersecurity operations, teams can enhance threat detection, streamline investigations, and automate responses, effectively managing complexity with greater speed and precision.

Despite these advancements, many public sector organizations still face a "cyber confidence gap"—characterized by limited visibility, resource constraints, and difficulties in interpreting actionable data. Compounded by a persistent workforce shortage, there is an urgent need for mission-ready talent, particularly veterans who possess experience in high-stakes, dynamic environments. The current opportunity lies in understanding these intersections: specifically, how AI can evolve C2C from a static compliance framework into a system of continuous, intelligent trust enforcement.

In this webcast, defense and technology leaders will explore the practical, mission-driven applications of AI across the DoW, with a focus on cybersecurity operations, workforce readiness, and organizational resilience. Speakers will discuss how initiatives like C2C are evolving from rigid access control policies into dynamic systems for managing trust across users, devices, and environments. The panel will examine how AI facilitates real-time decision-making—from detecting anomalous behavior to automating responses and mitigating alert fatigue.

Participants will explore strategies to bridge the cyber confidence gap by:

• Improving visibility
• Integrating cross-system data 
• Leveraging AI-enabled tools for proactive threat intelligence

Finally, the discussion will address strengthening the cyber workforce—highlighting the vital role of veterans—and shifting from "best practices" to "best fit" strategies that tailor AI and automation to specific mission needs while maintaining rigorous security, governance, and accountability.