DISA prepares for cyber Thunderdome
The Thunderdome prototype seeks to reinforce cybersecurity through its zero trust approach. (Image: Booz Allen Hamilton)
DISA has contracted Booz Allen Hamilton for the development of the Thunderdome prototype.
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has awarded a $6.8 million contract to Booz Allen Hamilton for the development of the Thunderdome prototype, a cybersecurity solution.
The Thunderdome Prototype is a zero trust security model that aligns with the US President’s executive order to improve the nation’s cybersecurity posture.
Zero trust requires that every user and every device be authenticated every time before being granted network access.
During this six-month effort, the agency will test how to implement DISA’s Zero Trust Reference Architecture by taking advantage of commercial technologies such as Secure Access Service Edge and Software Defined-Wide Area Networks.
Thunderdome will also incorporate greater cybersecurity centred around data protection and integrate with existing endpoint and identity initiatives aligned to zero trust.
This decision has been driven by DISA and the US DoD’s engagement amidst a global-power competition in an ever-changing cyber landscape with increasing risks and threats from sophisticated adversaries.
According to DISA, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an intensification of cyber-attacks as more individuals work remotely and more data is hosted online.
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
