As the host of the 2025 Public Sector Summit, I had the privilege of witnessing some of the brightest minds in government and industry come together to share insights, strategies, and visions for the future in cyber defense. It was a remarkable event—a gathering where leaders shared how they are tackling the most pressing issues facing the public sector today, from safeguarding critical infrastructure to leveraging artificial intelligence for operational efficiency. The energy, collaboration, and thought leadership on display were nothing short of inspiring.For those who couldn’t join us in person, I wanted to reflect on some of the most impactful moments of the summit and share the themes that you can take immediate action upon. The conversations we had weren’t just about technology—they were about transformation, collaboration, people, policy and the critical work being done to build a safer, more resilient public sector.Zero Trust as the North Star of Cybersecurity TransformationOne of the key topics woven throughout the summit was Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). It was exciting to see how far the public sector has come in adopting this essential cybersecurity model. Zero Trust isn’t just a buzzword—it represents a new approach to security, especially in government agencies where protecting sensitive data and systems is paramount.Zscaler’s mission is to create a Zero Trust Everywhere world – without requiring major infrastructure changes. A new standard that encompasses Users, Branch, Datacenter, Cloud, Applications and B2B by expanding zero trust principles to the entire environment.Several speakers underscored the importance of implementing Zero Trust not as a one-time initiative but as a continuous evolution. A phased approach—beginning with securing identities, devices, and networks—provides a solid foundation for securing applications and data over time. This not only strengthens an organization’s defenses but also breaks down silos between IT and security teams, creating a unified approach to security.As I’ve often said, Zero Trust doesn’t just protect—it’s enabling and it’s a force multiplier. It’s the architecture that allows public sector organizations to confidently embrace cloud technologies, remote work, and digital transformation. Hearing leaders like Vu Nguyen, CISO of the Department of Justice, share their success stories with Zero Trust reinforced how game-changing this model has become.The Double-Edged Sword of Artificial IntelligenceThis year, AI took center stage—not just as a tool for innovation but also as a disruptor. Generative AI, in particular, was a hot topic at the summit. While AI offers transformative potential for public sector operations, it’s also being weaponized by adversaries to launch more sophisticated and scalable cyberattacks.The surge in AI-powered threats has raised the stakes, especially for government agencies tasked with defending critical infrastructure. Malicious actors now have the ability to automate their attacks, making them faster and harder to detect. However, the good news is that we can—and must—fight fire with fire.Several speakers highlighted how public sector organizations are leveraging their own AI tools to detect anomalies, counter breaches, and predict malicious behaviors before they escalate. This fits nicely with Zero Trust Principle of Reducing the Blast Radius. Throughout the day, we heard examples of agencies integrating AI into their Zero Trust framework to build layered defenses that minimize the risk of breaches. AI also helps streamline operations, enabling cybersecurity teams to do more with fewer resources—a critical benefit in an era of ever-tightening budgets.AI is both a challenge and an opportunity. People will find a way to use it because it makes them more productive and more informed. But without understanding that seemingly innocuous queries can leak data to the public domain. And how we integrate it into public sector strategies will define the success of government modernization in the coming years.Leadership at the Heart of TransformationOne of the most inspiring aspects of the summit was hearing from leaders across federal, state, and local governments about how they are navigating transformation. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: transformation isn’t about technology alone. It’s about leadership.Great leaders set the vision, foster collaboration, and ensure that new technologies are implemented in a way that aligns with mission objectives. Whether it’s a state CIO working to improve citizen services or a federal agency transforming its cybersecurity posture, leadership remains the linchpin of success.I was particularly struck by what my boss, Pete Amirkhan, SVP of Worldwide Public Sector at Zscaler, shared during his session: “Transformation requires vision, action, and collaboration.” Those words perfectly capture the spirit of this year’s summit. As we heard from leaders like Vanetta Pledger, CIO of the City of Alexandria, and Derrick Pledger, CDIO of Maximus, it became clear that the most successful transformations are rooted in partnerships and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for constituents.Collaboration Is the CatalystThroughout the event, a recurring theme was the power of collaboration. In a world where threats are increasingly sophisticated and the pace of technological change is accelerating, no single entity can go it alone. Protecting our critical infrastructure and modernizing government services requires partnerships between public sector agencies, technology innovators, and industry experts.The summit was a testament to what’s possible when we work together. From Sandia National Laboratories sharing their Zero Trust journey to state governments discussing their modernization efforts, the exchange of ideas, lessons learned, and best practices was invaluable.Collaboration is more than just a strategy—it’s a necessity. Cybersecurity, in particular, is a team sport. The more we share resources, threat intelligence, and proven frameworks, the better equipped we’ll be to address the unique challenges of the public sector.Looking Ahead: Building Resilient, Future-Ready Public Sector ServicesAs I reflect on the summit, one word stands out: resilience. Whether it’s resilience against cyber threats, operational disruptions, or budgetary pressures, public sector organizations are increasingly focused on building systems that can withstand and adapt to change. Zero Trust, AI, and strong leadership are key components of that resilience.My hope is that the conversations we had during the 2025 Public Sector Summit will serve as a spark for continued action and innovation. The strategies, lessons, and success stories shared by speakers are more than just ideas—they’re blueprints for how we can move forward as a community dedicated to serving the public good.If you missed the event or want to revisit the sessions, I encourage you to watch them on demand. Hear directly from the experts and leaders who are charting the future for government transformation. And, of course, my “pro-tips” that I offered in between the sessions – some funny, some not. You tell me! Access the sessions at Zscaler Public Sector Summit On-Demand.Together, we can navigate the complexities of today’s challenges and create a more secure, efficient, and innovative public sector.
[#item_full_content] As the host of the 2025 Public Sector Summit, I had the privilege of witnessing some of the brightest minds in government and industry come together to share insights, strategies, and visions for the future in cyber defense. It was a remarkable event—a gathering where leaders shared how they are tackling the most pressing issues facing the public sector today, from safeguarding critical infrastructure to leveraging artificial intelligence for operational efficiency. The energy, collaboration, and thought leadership on display were nothing short of inspiring.For those who couldn’t join us in person, I wanted to reflect on some of the most impactful moments of the summit and share the themes that you can take immediate action upon. The conversations we had weren’t just about technology—they were about transformation, collaboration, people, policy and the critical work being done to build a safer, more resilient public sector.Zero Trust as the North Star of Cybersecurity TransformationOne of the key topics woven throughout the summit was Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). It was exciting to see how far the public sector has come in adopting this essential cybersecurity model. Zero Trust isn’t just a buzzword—it represents a new approach to security, especially in government agencies where protecting sensitive data and systems is paramount.Zscaler’s mission is to create a Zero Trust Everywhere world – without requiring major infrastructure changes. A new standard that encompasses Users, Branch, Datacenter, Cloud, Applications and B2B by expanding zero trust principles to the entire environment.Several speakers underscored the importance of implementing Zero Trust not as a one-time initiative but as a continuous evolution. A phased approach—beginning with securing identities, devices, and networks—provides a solid foundation for securing applications and data over time. This not only strengthens an organization’s defenses but also breaks down silos between IT and security teams, creating a unified approach to security.As I’ve often said, Zero Trust doesn’t just protect—it’s enabling and it’s a force multiplier. It’s the architecture that allows public sector organizations to confidently embrace cloud technologies, remote work, and digital transformation. Hearing leaders like Vu Nguyen, CISO of the Department of Justice, share their success stories with Zero Trust reinforced how game-changing this model has become.The Double-Edged Sword of Artificial IntelligenceThis year, AI took center stage—not just as a tool for innovation but also as a disruptor. Generative AI, in particular, was a hot topic at the summit. While AI offers transformative potential for public sector operations, it’s also being weaponized by adversaries to launch more sophisticated and scalable cyberattacks.The surge in AI-powered threats has raised the stakes, especially for government agencies tasked with defending critical infrastructure. Malicious actors now have the ability to automate their attacks, making them faster and harder to detect. However, the good news is that we can—and must—fight fire with fire.Several speakers highlighted how public sector organizations are leveraging their own AI tools to detect anomalies, counter breaches, and predict malicious behaviors before they escalate. This fits nicely with Zero Trust Principle of Reducing the Blast Radius. Throughout the day, we heard examples of agencies integrating AI into their Zero Trust framework to build layered defenses that minimize the risk of breaches. AI also helps streamline operations, enabling cybersecurity teams to do more with fewer resources—a critical benefit in an era of ever-tightening budgets.AI is both a challenge and an opportunity. People will find a way to use it because it makes them more productive and more informed. But without understanding that seemingly innocuous queries can leak data to the public domain. And how we integrate it into public sector strategies will define the success of government modernization in the coming years.Leadership at the Heart of TransformationOne of the most inspiring aspects of the summit was hearing from leaders across federal, state, and local governments about how they are navigating transformation. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: transformation isn’t about technology alone. It’s about leadership.Great leaders set the vision, foster collaboration, and ensure that new technologies are implemented in a way that aligns with mission objectives. Whether it’s a state CIO working to improve citizen services or a federal agency transforming its cybersecurity posture, leadership remains the linchpin of success.I was particularly struck by what my boss, Pete Amirkhan, SVP of Worldwide Public Sector at Zscaler, shared during his session: “Transformation requires vision, action, and collaboration.” Those words perfectly capture the spirit of this year’s summit. As we heard from leaders like Vanetta Pledger, CIO of the City of Alexandria, and Derrick Pledger, CDIO of Maximus, it became clear that the most successful transformations are rooted in partnerships and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for constituents.Collaboration Is the CatalystThroughout the event, a recurring theme was the power of collaboration. In a world where threats are increasingly sophisticated and the pace of technological change is accelerating, no single entity can go it alone. Protecting our critical infrastructure and modernizing government services requires partnerships between public sector agencies, technology innovators, and industry experts.The summit was a testament to what’s possible when we work together. From Sandia National Laboratories sharing their Zero Trust journey to state governments discussing their modernization efforts, the exchange of ideas, lessons learned, and best practices was invaluable.Collaboration is more than just a strategy—it’s a necessity. Cybersecurity, in particular, is a team sport. The more we share resources, threat intelligence, and proven frameworks, the better equipped we’ll be to address the unique challenges of the public sector.Looking Ahead: Building Resilient, Future-Ready Public Sector ServicesAs I reflect on the summit, one word stands out: resilience. Whether it’s resilience against cyber threats, operational disruptions, or budgetary pressures, public sector organizations are increasingly focused on building systems that can withstand and adapt to change. Zero Trust, AI, and strong leadership are key components of that resilience.My hope is that the conversations we had during the 2025 Public Sector Summit will serve as a spark for continued action and innovation. The strategies, lessons, and success stories shared by speakers are more than just ideas—they’re blueprints for how we can move forward as a community dedicated to serving the public good.If you missed the event or want to revisit the sessions, I encourage you to watch them on demand. Hear directly from the experts and leaders who are charting the future for government transformation. And, of course, my “pro-tips” that I offered in between the sessions – some funny, some not. You tell me! Access the sessions at Zscaler Public Sector Summit On-Demand.Together, we can navigate the complexities of today’s challenges and create a more secure, efficient, and innovative public sector.
