Cybersecurity is the top factor driving federal agencies’ adoption of edge computing, according to a new study from General Dynamics Information Technology.
The “Edge Factor” report surveyed 200 federal technology leaders across defense, civilian and intelligence agencies. It found that as missions move closer to the edge — from battlefield operations and intelligence gathering to emergency response, public health and transportation — agency leaders are prioritizing investments to secure these environments.
More than half of respondents (52%) identified advanced cybersecurity measures such as encryption, monitoring and hardening as their top investment priority over the next three to five years. Nearly half (49%) cited zero trust adoption as a close second.
The study also found:
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49% see real-time decision-making as the main driver for accelerating edge adoption
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Artificial intelligence at the edge is set to grow from 21% adoption today to 43% in the next three to five years
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78% struggle to integrate legacy and emerging technologies, slowing their ability to operate at the edge
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68% view workforce readiness as a major hurdle, pointing to the need for more training and private-sector collaboration
“Edge computing is transforming how missions are executed, but its potential depends on security,” said Ben Gianni, GDIT senior vice president and chief technology officer. “Agencies need to secure the edge to operate faster in more dynamic environments. The agencies that get this right will be positioned to lead in the next era of mission operations.”