Zero Trust Architecture in HPC and AI Environments

This presentation is based on a recently published paper - see https://ojs.library.carleton.ca/index.php/PPJ-CIPSER/article/view/4990. The paper explores the application of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles to High Performance Computing Infrastructure (HPCI), which has become increasingly crucial for scientific, industrial, and AI workloads. Traditional cybersecurity frameworks like the ISO 27000-series and NIST 800-series have proven inadequate for the unique challenges posed by HPCI.

The paper is informed by three regulatory frameworks: OMB Memo M-22-09, CISA's Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM), and NIST Special Publication 800-223, which collectively shape the U.S. Federal Government's approach to ZTA in HPCI. The study assesses the compatibility of ZTMM with HPCI across five pillars, identifying potential challenges in balancing security, cost, complexity, and performance. The findings suggest that a "Traditional" maturity level is most suitable for HPCI, given its unique characteristics and operational demands.

This presentation is facilitated by Tyson Macaulay and Daksha Bhasker. Tyson is an active security researcher and lecturer at Carleton University specializing in Critical Infrastructure Protection. Tyson has a personal syllabus of four books, dozens of periodical publications, international standards contributions, several registered patents and continues to support the development of engineering and security standards through volunteer efforts in the International Standards Organization (ISO) and Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO), and various Board positions. Tyson has worked extensively in the cyber security industry with networking, Data Centers, High Performance Computing (HPC) and blockchain technology.

Daksha Bhasker (P.Eng, CISSP) is a Principal Security Architect at Navy Federal Credit Union. She has over 20 years of experience in the software and telecommunications service provider industry with multinationals as Microsoft, Comcast NBCUniversal and Bell Canada, working on complex carrier grade system security architectures. She is passionate about security of emerging technologies, engaging with the broader security industry to better the state of technical security architectures.

This event is organized by the Digital Research Alliance of Canada. Click here to register.