CISA unveils new rule to boost national cybersecurity measures

TLDR:

• CISA unveils a landmark rule to enhance national cybersecurity resilience.
• Rapid dissemination of cyber incident intelligence enables CISA to preempt similar attacks on other organizations.

In a groundbreaking move, the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) unveiled a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to fortify the nation’s cybersecurity resilience. Mandated by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA), this milestone empowers CISA to leverage cyber incident data to discern patterns, bridge information gaps, and mobilize resources swiftly. Rapid dissemination of cyber incident intelligence enables CISA to preempt similar attacks on other organizations, curbing the cascading impact of cyber threats on national security.

Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, emphasized the significance of CIRCIA in enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity posture, stating, “Cyber incident reports submitted to us through CIRCIA will enable us to better protect our nation’s critical infrastructure.” Collaborating with public and private stakeholders, CISA has tailored the NPRM to align with stakeholders’ needs and priorities. This collaborative engagement aims to fortify America’s cyber defenses and ensure critical infrastructure resilience against evolving cyber threats.

Since September 2022, CISA has engaged with diverse stakeholders, including the critical infrastructure community, to shape the NPRM. By harnessing insights garnered from this engagement, the cybersecurity agency is positioned to gain comprehensive insights into the evolving cyber threat landscape and furnish early warnings to entities at risk, fortifying the nation’s critical infrastructure against emergent cyber threats.

Implementation of CIRCIA heralds a paradigm shift in national cybersecurity strategy, aligning with stakeholders’ needs and ensuring proactive cyber risk reduction. As the NPRM progresses towards formal publication, the public is urged to participate in the 60-day comment period to contribute valuable perspectives shaping the Final Rule. Through collective efforts and collaborative engagement, CISA aims to fortify America’s cyber defenses and ensure the resilience of its critical infrastructure in the face of evolving cyber threats.