US Cybersecurity Vulnerable: Former Director Warns of Fragmented Landscape
The USA faces a fragmented cybersecurity landscape, warns former National Cyber Director Chris Inglis. Meanwhile, a key cyber-threat sharing law has expired, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) furloughed 65% of its workforce, leaving the nation vulnerable.
Inglis, who served as the first US National Cyber Director, believes the current approach to cybersecurity is too scattered to be effective. He urges for a shift in mindset, making digital infrastructure resilience a core business practice.
The recent federal government shutdown exacerbated the situation. On October 1, CISA furloughed a significant portion of its workforce, just as a crucial cyber-threat sharing law expired. This law, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) of 2015, had widespread support but lapsed due to benign neglect.
Defenders are typically slower to adopt new technologies, giving cybercriminals an 8- to 12-month advantage. These criminals are now leveraging AI to rapidly scale attacks, making them more convincing and harder to detect. To counter this, Inglis suggests building safety and security into AI models during development.
Furloughed federal employees, tasked with defending government networks and critical infrastructure, are vital to collective cybersecurity efforts. Their absence, coupled with the expired law, leaves a significant gap in the USA's cybersecurity defenses.
The USA must prioritize digital infrastructure resilience and address the recent setbacks in its cybersecurity efforts. Reinstating the expired cyber-threat sharing law and ensuring adequate staffing at CISA are crucial steps. By doing so, the USA can better protect against cyber threats and reduce the viability of cybercriminal business propositions.
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