Smart Storage, Secure Policies: Developing Software-Defined Storage Strategy for Zero Trust (Activity 4.2.3)

We’ve been on a deep dive into the Data pillar of Zero Trust, focusing on how we classify our data (Activity 4.2.1) and ensure interoperability for data protection (Activity 4.2.2). Now, we turn our attention to the underlying infrastructure where this data resides. We must make sure that our storage is agile and programmable as the rest of our architecture. This brings us to Zero Trust Activity 4.2.3: Develop Software Defined Storage (SDS) Policy.

This activity, while concerning storage technology, is primarily a strategic policy and procedural undertaking. It mandates that the DoD Enterprise works with Components to determine if Software-Defined Storage (SDS) is in use. If it is, or if it’s a future direction, DoD Components are then tasked with developing policy and standards based on industry best practices. It’s about defining how SDS will be used, governed, and secured within a Zero Trust framework. This involves Component teams assessing their existing data storage strategies and technologies to determine their suitability for implementing SDS. If deemed appropriate, those storage technologies are then considered for SDS implementation.

This activity is vital because SDS decouples storage hardware from its management software, allowing for greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. From a Zero Trust perspective, this programmability also enables advanced security features, including dynamic access controls, automated data protection, and centralized visibility over data, enhancing its overall protection and availability.

The outcomes for Activity 4.2.3 highlight this policy development and strategic assessment:

1. Enterprise defines and refines minimum attribution requirements for SDS to support Zero Trust enablement.
2. Components assess their existing data storage for SDS implementation considerations.

The ultimate end state underscores the holistic security alignment: Ensure holistic approach for SDS security alignment within Components to strengthen access and availability, data protection, and adherence to best practices. This means SDS is actively integrated into the Zero Trust strategy for robust data security.

The Policy & Process Imperative for SDS Security

Activity 4.2.3 is about setting the strategic direction and policy framework for Software-Defined Storage, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your Zero Trust goals. It’s a foundational planning phase that guides future technology implementation.

1. Assessing Current SDS Usage and Strategy:
   1. Process: The Enterprise first collaborates with Components to inventory existing storage solutions. This involves determining if SDS is already in use, or if components are considering it.
   2. Evaluation: Components then conduct a detailed evaluation of their current data storage strategies and technologies (traditional SAN/NAS, direct-attached, cloud storage) to assess their suitability for transitioning to SDS. This includes analyzing data types, performance needs, scalability requirements, and existing security controls.
2. Developing Enterprise SDS Policy and Standards:
   1. Process: Based on the assessment, the DoD Enterprise, with Component input, defines a comprehensive policy and set of standards for implementing and securing SDS within a Zero Trust context. This policy includes:
      1. Minimum Attribution Requirements: Defining the essential metadata and security attributes that SDS solutions must be able to support and expose (e.g., data classification, owner, access criticality, compliance tags) to enable Zero Trust enforcement.
      2. Security Controls: Mandating specific security features for SDS (e.g., encryption at rest and in transit, granular access controls based on identity, automated policy management, secure multi-tenancy, immutable storage for ransomware protection).
      3. Integration Requirements: Specifying how SDS solutions must integrate with Identity Providers, policy engines, and security monitoring tools (SIEM/XDR).
      4. Data Protection & Availability: Standards for data replication, automated backups, snapshots, and disaster recovery within an SDS environment.
      5. Industry Best Practices: Aligning the policy with recognized industry best practices for SDS security and implementation (e.g., SNIA guidelines, cloud provider best practices for SDS services).
3. Operationalizing Governance for SDS:
   1. Process: Establish or leverage existing governance structures (e.g., Data Governance Council, Architecture Review Board) to oversee the adoption and adherence to the SDS policy and standards.
   2. Decision-Making: The policy provides the framework for Components to decide when and how to implement SDS, ensuring consistency across the enterprise.

Key Items to Consider:

• Understanding Existing Storage Landscape: A clear and detailed inventory of current storage solutions, data types, and access patterns is crucial before defining an SDS strategy.
• Defining SDS Zero Trust Attributes: Precisely identifying the specific data and storage attributes that are necessary to enable Zero Trust policy enforcement (e.g., metadata that maps to user roles, device compliance, or application context).
• Balancing Flexibility with Control: SDS offers immense flexibility, but the policy must ensure this flexibility doesn’t compromise centralized security control and consistent enforcement.
• Integration with Overall Zero Trust Strategy: Ensure the SDS policy seamlessly integrates with policies from other Zero Trust pillars (Identity, Device, Network, Data Classification).
• Migration Strategy: While this activity is policy-focused, the policy must consider the practical challenges and phased approach for migrating from traditional storage to SDS.
• Vendor Capabilities: The policy should be informed by, but not strictly limited to, current vendor capabilities, ensuring a future-proof approach.

For the Technical Buyer

Activity 4.2.3 is a crucial strategic phase where your organization defines the blueprint for how Software-Defined Storage (SDS) will integrate into your Zero Trust architecture. It’s about developing the policy and standards that dictate how SDS will strengthen data access, availability, and protection, rather than just implementing the technology. For technical buyers, success here means actively participating in defining these enterprise policies, particularly the minimum attribution requirements for SDS that enable Zero Trust, and assessing your current storage landscape for SDS suitability. This activity ensures that your move towards programmable storage is secure by design, directly contributing to a holistic approach for SDS security alignment within Components, and strengthening data protection and adherence to best practices.

Pillar: Data

Capability: 4.2 DoD Enterprise Data Governance

Activity: 4.2.3 Develop Software Defined Storage (SDS) Policy

Phase: Target Level

Predecessor(s): None

Successor(s): 4.7.1 Integrate DAAS Access w/SDS Policy Pt1; 4.7.4 Integrate Solution & Policy w/Enterprise IDP Pt1; 4.7.6 Implement SDS Tool and/or integrate with DRM Tool Pt1