Beyond the Deadline:
The Reality of Federal Zero Trust in 2026 In September 2024, the deadline for federal agencies to meet the specific Zero Trust goals outlined in OMB Memorandum M-22-09 passed. For many, this milestone represented the culmination of years of rapid modernization, cloud migration, and the implementation of phishing-resistant Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
However, at TSS Group, we view those deadlines not as a finish line, but as the establishment of a necessary baseline. As we navigate the security landscape of 2026, a persistent vulnerability remains within the federal architecture: the "session gap." While NIST SP 800-207 (Zero Trust Architecture) emphasizes that no user or device should be implicitly trusted, many current implementations still rely on point-in-time authentication. Once a user logs in, they are often granted a period of implicit trust that can last for hours. In high-stakes federal environments, this gap between authentication events is a window of opportunity for unauthorized access and lateral movement.
At TSS Group, we are working with agencies to bridge this gap using Proximia, a persistent authentication solution that transforms security from a series of gates into a continuous, invisible shield.
The Anatomy of the Session Gap Traditional MFA
While effective against remote credential harvesting, creates a static state of security. When a user provides a token or biometric scan, the system assumes that user remains at the terminal until the session expires or is manually locked. This "authenticate once, trust for hours" model is increasingly incompatible with the rigorous demands of Executive Order 14028. If a user steps away from an active terminal in a shared workspace or a tactical operations center, the system remains vulnerable.
Current workarounds—such as aggressive screen-lock timers—often lead to "security friction," where employees develop counter-productive habits to keep screens active, inadvertently increasing risk. Persistent authentication addresses this by shifting the focus from the *moment* of login to the *duration* of the session. By continuously verifying the presence of the authorized user, we eliminate the implicit trust window. If the user moves away, the session secures itself; when they return, it resumes instantly. This is the practical application of Zero Trust: never trust, always verify, and verify continuously.
Proximia: Implementing Continuous Verification Without Friction
We at TSS Group specialize in the integration of Proximia as a core component of a persistent authentication strategy. Proximia leverages proximity-based technology to link the user’s physical presence to their digital session.
How It Functions
Proximia utilizes a secure, low-energy signal (typically via a wearable or mobile device) to communicate with the workstation. Unlike traditional proximity cards that require a manual tap, Proximia acts as a passive layer.
Dynamic Locking: As the user moves beyond a defined perimeter, Proximia automatically locks the workstation, clearing the screen and securing sensitive data.
Seamless Resumption: Upon the user’s return, the system detects their presence and prompts for a final biometric or pin (if required by policy), or unlocks the session immediately if the high-assurance threshold is met.
No-Touch Integration: Proximia integrates with existing Active Directory and identity provider (IdP) frameworks, ensuring that agencies can enhance their security posture without replacing their entire underlying infrastructure.
This approach aligns directly with NIST 800-207’s directive to monitor and measure the integrity and security posture of all owned and associated assets. By making the authentication process persistent and proximity-aware, we remove the human element of error—forgetting to lock a computer—while simultaneously improving the user experience.
The SDVOSB Advantage: Mission-First Security Integration
Securing federal infrastructure requires more than just software procurement; it requires a deep understanding of the physical and digital convergence. TSS Group is a CVE-verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). For us, this designation is a reflection of our operational philosophy rather than just a procurement category.
Self-Performance and Accountability
TSS Group prides itself on self-performance. Our veteran-led teams provide over 51% of the direct labor on our contracts, ensuring that the technicians installing and configuring your security systems are TSS Group employees, not a rotating cast of subcontractors. This allows for a single point of accountability and a level of precision that is mandatory in high-security federal environments.
Veteran Leadership
Our leadership team brings the discipline and mission-focus of military service to every project. We understand the nuances of compliance, from NDAA Section 889 requirements to the rigorous standards of CMMC 2.0. When we integrate a solution like Proximia, we do so with an understanding of the operational environment, whether it is a civilian agency office or a secure compartmented information facility (SCIF).
Looking Toward 2027: Compliance and Beyond
As the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) continue to evolve, the expectation for automated, continuous monitoring will only increase. Agencies that rely solely on point-in-time MFA will find themselves struggling to meet the "Advanced" levels of Zero Trust maturity. By implementing persistent authentication today, agencies are not just checking a box for a 2024 mandate; they are future-proofing their architecture against the threats of 2027 and beyond. The goal is to create an environment where security is so integrated into the workflow that it becomes invisible to the user but remains impenetrable to the adversary.
TSS Group is ready to assist your agency in assessing its current session management vulnerabilities. We provide consultative evaluations that look at the total security picture—combining Onclave’s secure networking with Proximia’s persistent authentication and our own physical security integration expertise. Contact TSS Group today for a technical briefing on how we can help your agency close the session gap and move toward a truly mature Zero Trust Architecture.