Critical infrastructure is systems and resources that are essential to efficient and effective operation of society. This includes food, power, and transportation. All of this relies on cyber security to protect the digital assets and networks that run these systems.
The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure in the United States.
“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employs a risk-informed, all-hazards approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure in cyberspace that emphasizes protections for privacy and civil liberties, transparent and accessible security processes, and domestic and international partnerships that further collective action.” (CISA). “DHS coordinates with sector specific agencies, other federal agencies, and private sector partners to share information on and analysis of cyber threats and vulnerabilities and to understand more fully the interdependency of infrastructure systems nationwide.”
The Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency is a subgroup of the DHS.
“CISA Central's mission is to reduce the risk of systemic cybersecurity and communications challenges in our role as the Nation's flagship cyber defense, incident response, and operational integration center. Since 2009, CISA Central has served as a national hub for cyber and communications information, technical expertise, and operational integration, and by operating out 24/7 situational awareness, analysis, and incident response center.” (CISA). “CISA Central shares information among the public and private sectors to provide greater understanding of cybersecurity and communications situation awareness of vulnerabilities. intrusions, incidents, mitigation, and recovery actions.”
The CISA was recently pushed by the Government Accountability Office to put time limits on their work with cyber security.
“A 2021 law, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (FY21 NDAA), expanded these agencies’ responsibilities and added some new ones. CISA is working on guidance and more to help agencies implement these responsibilities and a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) urges CISA to set timelines for completing this work.” (Homeland Security Today).
The law includes adding and subtracting strategies to the CISA’s operations.
“During GAO’s research, some officials from various critical infrastructure agencies described new activities to address the responsibilities set forth in the act, and many reported having already conducted related activities. For example, the act added risk assessment and emergency preparedness as responsibilities not previously included in a key directive for sector risk management agencies. New activities officials described to address these responsibilities included developing a risk analysis capability and updating emergency preparedness products.” (Homeland Security Today).
The CISA has made steps towards improving cyber security procedures toward protecting critical infrastructure.
“CISA officials told GAO that they are in the process of updating key guidance documents, including the 2013 National Infrastructure Protection Plan and templates for revising sector-specific guidance documents. CISA officials also described efforts underway to improve coordination with sector partners, such as reconvening a leadership council.” (Homeland Security Today).
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