The Biden Administration is nearing the completion of a significant executive order aimed at enhancing cybersecurity protocols across federal agencies. This order, which builds on previous initiatives, is expected to address critical areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud security, and identity credentialing, with a target for finalization in early December.
Key Takeaways
The executive order is approximately 95% complete and is expected to be signed by early December.
Focus areas include AI, secure software, cloud security, and post-quantum cryptography.
The order aims to improve transparency in software security standards and enhance federal identity credentialing processes.
Overview Of The Executive Order
The upcoming executive order represents a follow-up to the comprehensive cybersecurity measures introduced by President Biden in his first year in office. It has undergone extensive interagency review, with agencies providing feedback on the draft. The administration is keen to finalize the order before the end of the year, despite the challenges posed by the upcoming presidential transition.
Focus Areas
The executive order is set to cover a wide range of topics, including:
Artificial Intelligence: The order will incorporate pilot programs aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation cyber defense AI models.
Secure Software: It will mandate that contractors comply with specific security standards, promoting secure software development practices across the private sector.
Cloud Security: Updates to cloud security standards will be made, particularly in response to past breaches involving federal agency emails.
Identity Credentialing: The order will modernize how federal personnel access agency systems, enhancing security measures.
Post-Quantum Cryptography: This section will build on recent standards released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Implications For Federal Agencies
Cybersecurity experts have expressed mixed opinions regarding the potential impact of the new executive order. Some believe it is crucial to assess the effectiveness of the previous order and ensure that successful initiatives are carried forward. Others caution that without guaranteed funding, the new order may place additional burdens on agencies without the necessary resources to implement them.
The Role Of AI In Cybersecurity
AI is expected to play a pivotal role in the new executive order. Experts highlight the potential for AI technologies to enhance both offensive and defensive cybersecurity measures. However, there is a consensus that broad-scale adoption of these technologies within government agencies has yet to occur, indicating a significant opportunity for improvement.
Conclusion
As the Biden Administration works to finalize this executive order, the focus remains on creating a robust cybersecurity framework that addresses contemporary threats. With the evolving landscape of cyber threats, particularly in relation to AI and cloud security, this order could set a precedent for future cybersecurity policies. The administration's commitment to enhancing federal cybersecurity measures reflects the urgent need to protect sensitive information and maintain national security in an increasingly digital world.
Sources
Biden administration nears completion of second cybersecurity executive order with plethora of agenda items | CyberScoop, CyberScoop.
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