What is the main purpose of the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program?

The Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program is primarily designed to provide real-time data on IT security risks. This capability allows organizations to continuously assess their security posture by collecting ongoing information about the state of their cybersecurity defenses. By consistently gathering and analyzing data, organizations can identify vulnerabilities, detect threats, and respond to incidents more effectively. This proactive approach helps in minimizing risk and protecting sensitive information, making real-time data a crucial element of the CDM mission.

While enhancing incident response strategies, managing financial resources, and maintaining an inventory of IT assets are all important aspects of overall security management, they are not the central focus of the CDM program. The essence of CDM lies in its ability to continuously monitor security risks and provide actionable insights that help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity practices.