NIST’s Ron Ross: Cyber Adversaries Thrive in Complexity

Ron Ross, a senior computer scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, has said federal agencies should address complexity with their technology platforms as they counter cybersecurity threats, MeriTalk reported Thursday.

“The adversary works in the world of the stack, and that complexity is where they thrive,” he said Thursday during a panel discussion at FCW’s Cybersecurity Summit.

Ross discussed the threat posed by the increasing number of personal devices to information technology systems and cited the need to build “stronger, penetration-resistant systems” as threat actors leverage machine learning, artificial intelligence and other technology platforms.

Other panelists include Matthew McFadden, director of cyber practice at General Dynamics’ information technology business; and Francisco Salguero, deputy chief information officer at the Agriculture Department.