Improving cybersecurity executive order is not easy. It supports our nation’s cybersecurity and protects critical infrastructure. But, how can we improve it right?
Improving Cybersecurity Executive Order
The executive order will establish a cybersecurity program that provides a central point of accountability for cybersecurity policies, procedures, and plans. So, the order aims to protect federal networks, systems, and information by taking steps to identify and reduce cybersecurity risks.
The order creates a Cybersecurity Coordinator position to work with stakeholders to monitor, secure, and mitigate bills. So, it directs agencies to identify information systems that are essential to the operation of government.
The systems will determine the scope of agency responsibilities, authorities, and accountability for cybersecurity. Also, the order directs agencies to develop a risk management framework to identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies.
It requires agencies to report annually on their efforts to secure their information and infrastructure following the framework. Finally, it establishes a National Cybersecurity Council to coordinate efforts across executive departments and agencies.
Policies
Policies are not enough, everyone must work together! And that’s what this executive order is all about! This order was signed because there are a lot of data breach incidents in the nation’s history. For example, the OPM data breach affected 21.5 million people.
The order addresses the cybersecurity of federal networks, systems, and information. It enhances the cybersecurity of the federal government’s information systems and the networks that support them.
Issues
This executive order was signed to overcome issues and challenges in the nation’s cybersecurity. These challenges include:
Most federal agencies have a high level of risk in their cybersecurity systems. So, the cybersecurity of information networks that support the operations of the federal government is not adequately resourced, coordinated, or prioritized.
There is no government-wide strategic policy, allocation of resources, and performance review for cybersecurity. Also, there are no clear roles and responsibilities for cybersecurity in the executive branch.
The federal government does not have a comprehensive approach to securing agency information and systems. There is no clear framework for cybersecurity that is consistent across the federal government.
Challenges and Implications
The Executive Order on Cybersecurity is a clear response to some of the challenges and concerns in the cybersecurity industry. However, the question is not how this order can improve cybersecurity but rather how it can be implemented efficiently.
For example, the government has a lot of important systems and networks. So, protecting those networks and systems is vital to the country’s security. But, securing those networks and systems is not a simple task.
The executive order requires agencies to implement risk management frameworks. Risk management frameworks (EMFs) are effective tools to secure software development lifecycles.
Cybersecurity Strategy
The cybersecurity strategy is a guide that focuses on securing the federal government’s most important systems. It provides an outline of the federal government’s cybersecurity goals and objectives.
The risk management program is a set of activities that assist agencies in identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks. It also assists agencies in managing those risks over time.
Conclusion
The executive order on cybersecurity aims to protect federal networks, systems, and information. It enhances the cybersecurity of the federal government’s information systems and the networks that support them.
The order addresses the cybersecurity of federal networks, systems, and information. It enhances the cybersecurity of the federal government’s information systems and the networks that support them.