The White House Releases National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan: Key Takeaways

The Biden administration has unveiled the long-awaited implementation plan for its National Cybersecurity Strategy, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen cybersecurity efforts across federal agencies and foster public-private partnerships. The living document, which will undergo continuous updates, sets forth 65 high-impact initiatives that federal agencies must fulfill within specified timelines.

The plan emphasizes the need for increased collaboration between public and private sectors, aiming to enhance the nation's resilience against cyber threats. Critical infrastructure companies will face new requirements for ransomware payment and cyber incident reporting. Notably, the administration intends to involve private sector partners in operations to actively disrupt actors within the ransomware ecosystem.

To mitigate supply chain risks, the implementation plan calls for government involvement in developing software bill of materials (SBOM) standards, which will be applied to third-party vendors. The plan also highlights the importance of major entities in taking additional responsibility in these areas.

The National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan (NCSIP) encompasses 65 federal initiatives, with 18 leading agencies assigned responsibility for specific projects. The Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) will coordinate and issue an annual report to the President and Congress on the progress of implementation. The ONCD is also working on cybersecurity regulatory harmonization guidance and will lead efforts to disrupt threat actors through exercises and teams.

The implementation plan's core strategic objectives are divided into five pillars: defending critical infrastructure, disrupting and dismantling threat actors, shaping market forces to drive security and resilience, investing in a resilient future, and forging international partnerships. The plan is designed for continuous updates in response to emerging cyber threats, with a formal update to version 2.0 set for spring 2024.

While some initiatives have already been completed, such as authorizing the Cyber Safety Review Board and creating a cyber implementation plan for the Pentagon, the focus is on "high impact" efforts that require inter-agency cooperation.

Several initiatives have specific completion dates set for 2025, including the creation of a standardized label for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, enabling consumers to easily access information about origin, safety features, and data collection practices. Additionally, the plan aims to establish a federal "backstop" for cyber insurance during catastrophic events.

One significant long-term project involves expanding the scope of the False Claims Act, enabling the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue civil actions against vendors with federal contracts and grants for knowing cybersecurity failures.

While the implementation plan demonstrates ambition, opinions among security experts vary regarding its effectiveness. Some experts emphasize the importance of training requirements to empower developers and ensure the success of initiatives aimed at improving software security and IoT safety.

Implications for Cybersecurity and IT Privacy Professionals

• Increased focus on public-private partnerships means cybersecurity professionals may have opportunities for collaboration and information sharing with government agencies and critical infrastructure companies.
• The development of SBOM standards may lead to stricter scrutiny of third-party vendors, requiring cybersecurity professionals to assess and manage supply chain risks more effectively.
• The expansion of the False Claims Act to target cybersecurity failures among vendors highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity practices and transparency for organizations working with federal contracts and grants.
• The emphasis on long-term investment in cybersecurity and the creation of a federal "backstop" for cyber insurance may drive increased demand for cybersecurity professionals in both public and private sectors.
• Professionals working with IoT devices should stay informed about the development of standardized labels and regulations, as they may need to adapt their practices to comply with new requirements.

The release of the National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan marks a significant step forward in the Biden administration's efforts to enhance cybersecurity across federal agencies and establish stronger public-private partnerships. The plan's focus on critical infrastructure, threat actor disruption, market forces, resilient investment, and international collaboration sets a comprehensive framework for addressing cyber threats. However, opinions vary on its effectiveness, with experts highlighting the need for training requirements to empower developers and the importance of education in the software development lifecycle. As the implementation progresses, cybersecurity and IT privacy professionals will play a vital role in driving cybersecurity best practices, managing supply chain risks, and ensuring the security and resilience of critical systems and networks. The evolving cybersecurity landscape demands ongoing vigilance and adaptation, making collaboration between public and private sectors crucial in the face of emerging cyber threats.