Gaining a Deeper Appreciation for CSfC: Insights from the 2025 Conference.
I had the privilege of attending the Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Conference recently at the University of Maryland. I left the event with a deeper understanding of CSfC’s value, a host of actionable insights, and several new industry contacts that I’m excited to collaborate with going forward. The sessions were powerful, the dialogue was engaging, and the sense of shared mission among attendees was unmistakable.
What is CSfC and Why Is It Important?
CSfC is a program developed by the National Security Agency (NSA) that enables the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies in classified or sensitive applications by applying layered encryption architectures. Launched in response to the need for faster, more agile, and cost-effective secure communication solutions, CSfC offers government agencies and contractors a way to move beyond traditional Type 1 encryption—without compromising on security.
The dual-layered encryption along with a multi-vendor approach, vetted and validated by the NSA, offers mission assurance, operational flexibility, and the ability to rapidly adopt modern technologies in the field. This has revolutionized how secure systems are deployed and maintained across both defense and civilian sectors.
Conference Highlights – Real-World Lessons and Strategic Insights
The conference featured a wide range of informative and engaging sessions, each providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) implementations. I’d like to share a few reflections on some of the sessions I attended. These discussions offered a compelling look into the real-world challenges, successes, and innovative approaches that organizations are experiencing as they work to deploy CSfC architectures in operational environments. From tactical applications to enterprise-wide integrations, each session highlighted the critical role CSfC plays in enabling secure, mission-driven solutions across a variety of sectors.
1. Integrating Tactical CSfC Data-at-Rest Solutions for Drone Operations – Presented by KLC Group. This session was especially eye-opening. The KLC Group presented a real-world example in which a captured drone’s unencrypted hard drive was exploited. The enemy was able to decrypt sensitive imagery that not only revealed mission details, but also images of the location it was assembled and the engineers who built the drone—putting lives at risk. It was a sobering reminder that data-at-rest security is not just about compliance, but operational and personal safety.
2. USMC CSfC Wireless Lessons Learned – Presented by a Network Engineering Officer, USMC. This presentation was one of the most practically valuable. The USMC has made tremendous strides in leveraging CSfC-secured wireless networks in the field, enabling significantly more agile and responsive operations. The Officer walked us through their journey—highlighting what worked, what didn’t, and how the Corps overcame real-world obstacles to operationalize CSfC in highly dynamic and dangerous environments.
3. You Have an Approved CSfC Solution. So, What’s Next? – Presented by a Senior Program Manager. Perspective This session offered a critical look beyond initial approval. The speaker, a Program Manager with firsthand experience, outlined the ongoing challenges organizations face in maintaining CSfC compliance. From documentation, monitoring, and reporting to adapting configurations in dynamic environments, this session provided a practical roadmap for lifecycle success.
4. The Future of CSfC – A Panel Discussion. One of the most thought-provoking parts of the day was the panel discussion, “The Future of CSfC: Supporting Through Government-Driven Changes.” This provided insights on adapting to policy shifts, streamlining solution development, and navigating evolving cybersecurity threats were invaluable. The panelist's real-world experience and forward-looking perspective helped frame the ongoing role of CSfC within an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.
The Trusted Integrator: A Critical Role in CSfC Deployment
A consistent theme across sessions was the critical role of the CSfC Trusted Integrator (TI). CSfC solutions require rigorous planning, documentation, integration, and validation. TIs are uniquely positioned to ensure that architectures meet NSA standards while still aligning with the operational needs of the end user.
As a Port-Quantum world edges ever closer and AI-based threats as well as increasing solution complexity continue to challenge our assumptions around cybersecurity, the importance of experienced and adaptable Trusted Integrators will only grow.
At Colossal Contracting, we’re proud to serve as a CSfC Trusted Integrator. We work alongside our partners and customers to design, deploy, and maintain CSfC-compliant architectures that are field-ready and future-proof. Whether you're just beginning your CSfC journey or navigating the next phase of implementation, we can help.
Final Thoughts
Attending the CSfC Conference at the University of Maryland was a rewarding experience. It reinforced the mission-critical value of CSfC—not just as a framework, but as a community of experts solving tough, high-stakes problems. I left inspired, informed, and excited about where the future of secure communications is heading.
If you're exploring CSfC or looking for guidance in implementing a compliant solution, Colossal Contracting is here to support you every step of the way.
Colossal Contracting, LLC., established in 2009, is a value-added reseller headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), we boast a range of premier vendor partnerships, industry accredited certifications, and employ top-notch engineering resources in-house to assist our customers.
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To Learn more information about CSfC: https://www.nsa.gov/Resources/Commercial-Solutions-for-Classified-Program/