Biden’s 11th Hour Executive Order Focuses on U.S. Cyber Defenses

Biden's 11th Hour Executive Order Focuses on U.S. Cyber Defenses

President Joe Biden’s executive order, issued just days before he is set to leave office, aims to fortify America’s cyber defenses against foreign threats, particularly from China, Russia, and Iran.

At a Glance

  • President Biden’s executive order seeks to strengthen U.S. cybersecurity against international threats.
  • Government contractors are required to meet stricter security standards.
  • The order facilitates sanctions against foreign cyber attackers.
  • It establishes a partnership with the private sector for AI-based threat detection.
  • It centralizes cybersecurity management under CISA

Biden’s Cybersecurity Order

In his last days in office, President Joe Biden has issued an executive order aimed at reinforcing the United States’ cybersecurity defenses against international and criminal cyber threats. The order comes in response to increasing cyber attacks from foreign adversaries, particularly China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It mandates government-contracted software providers to adopt stricter security guidelines, thereby strengthening the nation’s overall cybersecurity framework.

The executive order seeks to facilitate the swift application of sanctions against foreign governments involved in cyberattacks. This measure is designed to increase the difficulty and cost for cybercriminals and adversaries to launch attacks against U.S. interests. Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger emphasized the bipartisan support for the order’s goals.

Security Standards for Government Contractors

A key aspect of the order is the requirement for companies selling software or systems to the government to meet security standards set by a previous executive order. The U.S. government spends billions annually on IT software and services, and vendors must now prove compliance with these cybersecurity standards. Findings will be published online.

This comprehensive review has led to the development of minimum cybersecurity standards for government technology contractors. These contractors are now required to provide evidence of compliance.

AI and Quantum Computing

The executive order also addresses emerging technological challenges in cybersecurity. It establishes a partnership between the government and private sector to harness artificial intelligence for identifying threats and addressing cyber vulnerabilities, particularly in critical infrastructure such as the energy sector. Additionally, federal agencies are required to enhance cybersecurity against threats from quantum computers.

Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe highlighted the importance of maintaining America’s technological edge, particularly in quantum computing. He warned, “But if China gets to quantum computing before we do, that’s a real problem.” This underscores the critical nature of the executive order’s focus on promoting AI-based tools and post-quantum cryptographic algorithms for cyber defense.

Centralized Cybersecurity Management and Enhanced Protocols

The executive order centralizes cybersecurity management around the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This move reflects an emphasis on enhanced security protocols and encryption efforts across federal platforms. CISA will now lead “cyber threat hunting” efforts to bolster defenses across government agencies.

Furthermore, the order promotes the adoption of encrypted online communications by federal agencies and introduces a new labeling program to help consumers identify smart devices with strong cybersecurity features. These measures aim to reduce bureaucracy in government cybersecurity while identifying and implementing essential cybersecurity practices.

Sources

  1. Biden executive order aims to shore up US cyber defenses
  2. FACT SHEET: New Executive Order on Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation’s Cybersecurity
  3. US executive order seeks to shore up cyber defenses