​​On June 6, 2025 a new cybersecurity executive order (EO) was signed, reshaping federal priorities and adjusting past mandates. With so much at stake when it comes to preventing critical systems and information from cyber attacks, agencies are seeking further clarity and direction. For federal CISOs, the question is not only what the order requires, but how it will influence their strategies and day-to-day responsibilities. In the latest Government Technology Insider podcast, cybersecurity leaders Paul Blahusch, former federal agency CISO, and Larry Potts, senior client partner at Verizon, joined host Lucas Hunsicker to unpack what the new directive means for federal cyber leadership.

​This EO reflects a broader move away from one-size-fits-all mandates to instead prioritize the protection of digital infrastructure, encourage private sector AI innovation, and combat waste, fraud, and abuse in cybersecurity programs. For CISOs, that shift presents an opportunity to align investments more closely with agency mission needs while still adhering to long-standing priorities.

​Core elements of federal cybersecurity strategy remain firmly in place. With Zero Trust principals guiding agency choices, identity and access management, multi-factor authentication, and endpoint detection continue to be the bedrock of defense. At the same time, the administration has reinforced its emphasis on efficiency, urging agencies to make decisions that support efficiency and cost management when they choose how to safeguard systems and data.

​But technology continues to outpace policy. From concerns about “steal now, decrypt later” quantum attacks to the role of generative AI in both defense and adversarial operations, CISOs are contending with an increasingly complex threat environment. To keep pace, collaboration, including interagency partnerships, work with industry, and guidance from NIST and CISA, is critical.