“A fence around your yard might look secure, but if the doggy door is open, you’re an easy target.”

That’s one of Bruno’s signature lines and it couldn’t be more fitting. In a world where perimeter-based security has gone out of style, public sector agencies need an approach that guards data at every step. Enter Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), which demands constant verification to ensure the right people (and only the right people) access sensitive information. Below, we explore why ZTA matters, its core building blocks, and how it forms a perfect match with modern data protection solutions.

Why It Matters

From voter records to health services, public agencies handle data that must remain secure and compliant. Meanwhile, remote work, cloud expansion, and evolving ransomware tactics make it difficult to maintain the old “trust the firewall” paradigm. Zero Trust flips that assumption by treating every request as suspicious until proven otherwise, drastically reducing the risk that one compromised credential dooms an entire system.

The Building Blocks

1. Identity & Access Management (IAM)
   A robust IAM ensures every transaction is explicitly authenticated and authorized, typically with multi-factor authentication (MFA). For data backups and restores, strict IAM policies stop malicious insiders or hijacked accounts cold.
2. Micro-Segmentation
   Instead of one big “trusted network,” ZTA partitions resources into micro-zones. This way, if adversaries breach one zone, they can’t rampage across your entire environment — which includes your critical backup repositories.
3. Immutable Storage & Isolated Recovery Environments (IRE)
   Zero Trust thinking extends to backups, too. Write-once-read-many (WORM) approaches and quarantined “clean rooms” keep malicious code from riding along with recovered data. If a public-facing system gets hit, your backups stay pristine.
4. Continuous Monitoring & Anomaly Detection
   ZTA is dynamic. Monitoring for suspicious changes or access attempts in real time helps you catch issues early. Data protection platforms with integrated anomaly detection can act as the canary in the coal mine, especially when unusual behaviors target your backup sets.

Steps Toward a Zero Trust Posture

1. Classify Your Data: Identify high-value assets (e.g., personally identifiable information, financial records). Then, label them for enhanced scrutiny and protected backup processes.
2. Adopt Strong Access Controls: Mandate MFA for backup admins, with role-based access, to keep the scope of privileges as narrow as possible.
3. Segment and Air-Gap Critical Copies: Spin up separate zones or even physically disconnected (or logically separated) storage for truly air-gapped backups.
4. Test DR in a Clean Room: Practice restoring in an isolated environment. This ensures infected data doesn’t slip back into production.
5. Integrate with Security Tooling: Feed backup logs and anomalies into your SIEM or SOAR platform so security teams can respond quickly to suspicious patterns.

How It Ties Back to Data Protection

In Zero Trust, data protection isn’t just a backup copy, it’s a final safeguard against catastrophic failures. By applying Zero Trust principles agencies can:

• Prevent attackers from tampering with or deleting backups.
• Ensure that backup operations themselves are properly authenticated.
• Create resilient “last line of defense” environments for quick recovery without risking further spread of malware.

Five Things You Can Do Now

1. Identify Roles & Restrict Access: Make sure the staff who manage backups don’t have blanket administrative privileges.
2. Mandate MFA on Backup Consoles: A stolen credential shouldn’t be an all-access pass to wipe your data.
3. Leverage Immutable Media: From on-prem disk and object storage to tape or cloud-based immutability, store at least one copy in a tamper-proof state.
4. Schedule Frequent Recovery Drills: Testing recoveries in an isolated environment builds muscle memory for real incidents.
5. Plan for Vendor-Neutral Growth: Zero Trust is an approach, not a product, so keep your data-protection strategy flexible across multiple technologies.

Vendor Tech Spotlight

• Cohesity (NetBackup): Since merging NetBackup into its portfolio, Cohesity has expanded zero-trust–friendly immutability features and offers “clean room” restoration workflows.
• Rubrik: Known for near-instant anomaly detection, it supports automated, policy-based air gapping to deter ransomware.
• Commvault: Focuses on granular RBAC and integrated encryption, plus robust multi-cloud data management.
• Veeam: Offers wide coverage of on-prem and cloud workloads, with orchestrated failover and tested, isolated restore options.

Immutability & Air-Gapped Storage are available across many platforms, including disk-based or object-based solutions, cloud-based immutable targets and even tape or object-on-tape solutions. Each approach has pros and cons around performance, retention and cost — a perfect topic for a deep dive in a future blog.

Applying Zero Trust to Data Protection

Zero Trust transforms data protection from a simple “backup/restore” function to a dynamic, continuously monitored fortress. Combining micro-segmentation, anomaly detection and air-gapped, immutable backups ensures that attackers who breach one layer cannot corrupt the entire environment. Ultimately, the synergy between Zero Trust and robust data-protection workflows helps public sector organizations achieve resilience despite budget constraints or compliance hurdles.

Final Thoughts

“Remember, barking at the gate only goes so far — ZTA is the real bite that keeps intruders from wandering in and stealing your bones.” says Bruno.

A Zero Trust mindset plus modern, immutable backups can mean the difference between a minor security scare and a crippling outage.

Need help tying it all together? At GEN3i, we’ve deployed these technologies in real-world government environments — and we’re here to help with best practices, architecture reviews, or even a hands-on test drive of nearly any solution combination in our “Better Together” Data Protection Lab at Carahsoft. Reach out to GEN3i@carahsoft.com today to discuss solutions or schedule a test run. Because trust is overrated, but rock-solid resilience never is!

As we step into 2025, the public sector faces an exciting yet challenging year in data protection. Building on the transformative changes of 2024, the coming months will be shaped by advancements in Zero Trust architectures, the rise of AI-powered tools, and the critical role of object storage. Meanwhile, compliance mandates like CMMC and SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) are pushing vendors and service providers to innovate rapidly to meet evolving requirements.

Add to that the federal IT buzz around DOGE (Data Operations Governance and Efficiency), and this year promises to be a defining one for the sector. As Bruno, our Data Protection Lab mascot, might say, "Looks like DOGE is the new dog in town—but I’m still top dog when it comes to resilience and reliability!"

DOGE Brings New Governance Standards

DOGE is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about frameworks in federal IT for 2025. While its full impact remains uncertain, DOGE is designed to enhance transparency, streamline operations, and modernize governance in ways that align with existing standards like FedRAMP and StateRAMP. However, its forward-looking approach may signal a shift toward entirely new expectations for data management.

The framework’s focus on efficiency and accountability is likely to drive increased adoption of as-a-service models, such as BaaS and DRaaS, to meet its requirements. At the same time, agencies may face budgetary constraints as they attempt to modernize infrastructure and address DOGE’s governance principles. Public sector organizations will need to navigate this balancing act carefully, as DOGE could redefine how data is stored, accessed, and secured across compliance-heavy sectors.

Whether DOGE becomes a catalyst for widespread modernization or a budgetary challenge to overcome, one thing is certain: its influence will be felt across federal IT, prompting agencies to rethink their strategies for operational efficiency and governance.

Compliance as a Catalyst for Change

Compliance frameworks like CMMC and SBOM are reaching critical mass in 2025, becoming unavoidable for public sector IT and their vendors. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is driving a renewed focus on secure supply chains and robust data management processes, particularly for contractors working with federal agencies. Meanwhile, SBOM requirements are ensuring transparency in software components, pushing vendors and service providers to offer greater visibility and accountability in their products.

These mandates are no longer optional - they are shaping the market. Vendors like Commvault, Cohesity, and Rubrik are leading the way with solutions that integrate compliance workflows, automate reporting, and ensure readiness for audits. Organizations must act quickly to meet these requirements, leveraging technologies and partnerships to remain competitive in a compliance-first environment.

Zero Trust Architectures Take Center Stage

Zero Trust architectures have moved from being a best practice to becoming a foundational necessity in public sector IT. With insider threats and sophisticated cyberattacks targeting backup repositories, public sector organizations are relying on Zero Trust principles to safeguard critical data and ensure operational resilience.

Vendors like Commvault, Cohesity, and Rubrik are setting the standard with solutions that incorporate immutable backups, role-based access controls, and advanced threat detection. Commvault’s comprehensive Zero Trust approach seamlessly integrates with hybrid environments, while Cohesity’s Zero Trust Data Architecture ensures end-to-end security. Rubrik’s solutions, meanwhile, focus on combining Zero Trust with high-performance recovery capabilities. In 2025, Zero Trust isn’t just a security strategy - it’s the backbone of resilient IT operations.

AI Shapes the Future of Data Protection

Artificial intelligence has become an indispensable tool for public sector organizations, driving proactive compliance, automated threat detection, and optimized recovery strategies. In 2025, AI will move beyond operational efficiency to deliver predictive capabilities that transform how IT teams approach data protection.

Commvault’s AI-driven Command Center provides predictive analytics that streamline disaster recovery and compliance processes. Cohesity’s Gaia platform uses generative AI to automate anomaly detection and disaster simulation. Rubrik’s Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) helps organizations visualize risks and enforce compliance at scale. Together, these tools are reducing manual workloads while empowering IT teams to focus on mission-critical objectives.

Object Storage: A Flexible Foundation

In 2025, object storage is cementing its role as a critical enabler of scalable and cost-effective data protection strategies. Public sector organizations are leveraging object storage to address diverse needs, from low-cost archival to high-performance recovery.

On-premises solutions like those from Spectra Logic and Quantum combine disk and tape to create deep, affordable storage for multi-petabyte environments, particularly in scenarios where cloud access is restricted, such as in the Department of Defense. At the other end of the spectrum, all-flash object storage from vendors like VAST delivers ultra-fast recovery for high-demand use cases. Meanwhile, cloud providers such as Wasabi, AWS, and Azure offer flexible hybrid options, and software-defined storage such as offerings from MinIO and Scality adds adaptability for tailored deployments. Whether optimizing costs or prioritizing speed, object storage is the backbone of modern data protection.

The Rise of BaaS and DRaaS Solutions

Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS) and Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) have become go-to solutions for public sector IT leaders seeking scalability, predictable costs, and enhanced recovery capabilities. These services address the growing demand for hybrid and multi cloud strategies while ensuring resilience against ever-evolving threats.

Commvault’s Metallic BaaS platform delivers enterprise-grade data protection with a focus on ease of use and regulatory compliance. Cohesity’s DataProtect-as-a-Service provides seamless backup and recovery in hybrid environments, while Rubrik’s Cloud Data Management offers clean room recovery and automated testing.

Adding to this are third-party MSPs, which are leveraging vendor technologies to offer robust, tailored solutions. These MSP partnerships are critical for public sector organizations seeking flexibility and expertise in managing complex IT environments.

Looking Ahead with GEN3i

As the public sector embraces these trends, GEN3i is here to help your organization navigate the complexities of modern data protection. From implementing Zero Trust architectures to aligning with compliance mandates like CMMC and SBOM, we bring unmatched vendor-agnostic expertise and strong partnerships with leaders like Commvault, Cohesity, and Rubrik.

With GEN3i by your side, your organization can leverage these advancements to stay resilient, secure, and compliant. Bookmark Bruno’s Bytes and check back for ongoing insights into these topics—and more. Together, let’s build the future of public sector IT.

As 2024 wraps up, it’s impossible to ignore how transformative this year has been for public sector data protection. From the convergence of leading vendors to the rise of AI-powered solutions and smarter ransomware defenses, the industry has taken bold strides. These changes aren’t just shifting technologies; they’re redefining how public sector organizations secure, manage, and protect data in an era where resilience is more critical than ever.

1. Industry Consolidation: The New Powerhouses

The defining moment of 2024 was the merger of Cohesity and Veritas, creating the world’s largest AI-powered data protection provider. By combining Cohesity’s innovation and scalability with Veritas’ enterprise-grade reliability and global reach, the newly unified company is setting new benchmarks for simplicity, efficiency, and multicloud security.

Commvault, long recognized as a leader in enterprise backup and recovery, continued to deliver robust cyber resilience capabilities, including enhanced support for hybrid and multicloud environments. Its ScaleProtect with Cisco UCS solution demonstrated unmatched scalability and simplicity, ensuring it remains a top choice for public sector organizations managing complex workloads.

Meanwhile, Rubrik’s IPO expanded its footprint within federal agencies, reinforcing its commitment to delivering secure and scalable solutions for the public sector. Veeam capitalized on partnerships with cloud providers like Microsoft, further cementing its role in hybrid cloud resilience. Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware also acted as a catalyst, pushing many public sector organizations to embrace cloud-native architectures and subscription-based models.

2. Ransomware Resilience Reimagined

With ransomware attacks affecting 76% of backup repositories, this threat remained a dominant challenge for public sector organizations in 2024. However, vendors responded with groundbreaking solutions. Clean room recovery environments, air-gapped storage, and immutable backups became standard defenses, enabling agencies to recover operations without reinfection.

Commvault's ransomware detection and recovery solutions, bolstered by integrations with third-party cybersecurity platforms, provided unparalleled visibility and protection for critical data. Cohesity’s Zero Trust Data Architecture and Rubrik’s Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) further empowered organizations to detect, isolate, and recover from attacks swiftly.

3. AI Becomes Indispensable

2024 marked the year when artificial intelligence transitioned from buzzword to backbone in data protection. Commvault leveraged AI and machine learning to enhance anomaly detection, automate compliance processes, and streamline disaster recovery. Its Command Center dashboard provided IT teams with predictive analytics to prevent downtime and data loss.

Similarly, Cohesity’s Gaia platform and Veeam’s AI-powered anomaly detection showcased how AI can elevate resilience by automating compliance reporting, detecting vulnerabilities, and enabling proactive disaster recovery planning. These innovations helped public sector organizations reduce manual workloads and enhance security.

4. Compliance and Sovereignty: A Balancing Act

The rise of state privacy laws and frameworks like CMMC, StateRAMP, and FedRAMP underscored the growing importance of compliance in 2024. Public sector organizations leaned into hybrid cloud strategies, balancing scalability with control over sensitive data.

This year saw significant milestones as Commvault achieved FedRAMP High authorization, while Cohesity and Rubrik earned FedRAMP Moderate authorization, signaling their commitment to providing secure and compliant solutions tailored for federal agencies. These certifications highlight a shared focus on ensuring robust data protection across multicloud environments, meeting stringent public sector requirements.

Beyond certifications, vendors like Commvault delivered powerful compliance tools that simplified adherence to regulatory frameworks while safeguarding critical data. Similarly, solutions from Cohesity, Rubrik, and Veeam bridged the gap between local sovereignty and global scalability, empowering public sector entities to maintain operational continuity while complying with complex regulations.

What 2024 Means for the Future

This year has laid a robust foundation for what’s to come. Public sector organizations now have access to technologies that prioritize resilience, automation, and simplicity, ensuring they’re better prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. But the work doesn’t stop here.

Looking to 2025: Building on the Momentum

As we move into 2025, the trends of 2024 will evolve. Zero trust architectures, AI-powered automation, and the growing dominance of Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS) and Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) will drive the next wave of transformation. Public sector organizations must act strategically, adopting these innovations to stay ahead of threats and streamline operations.

Your Path to Resilience

Navigating the complexities of modern data protection can be daunting, but GEN3i is here to guide you—along with Backup Bruno, our trusty Data Protection Labrador. With Bruno as your mascot for resilience and our team’s deep expertise in public sector challenges, GEN3i offers tailored solutions backed by industry-leading partnerships with Commvault, Cohesity, Rubrik, and Veeam. Together, we can help your organization achieve compliance, scalability, and operational continuity.

Let us guide you in leveraging these advancements to build a resilient, future-ready data protection strategy. Contact GEN3i today to get started, and don’t forget check back for more Bruno Bytes tips on keeping your data secure as we explore the trends shaping 2025 and beyond.