U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Rob Portman have introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the security of open source software and protect federal and critical infrastructure systems. The legislation comes after a hearing on the Log4j incident, which exposed a vulnerability in widely used open source code, affecting millions of computers worldwide. The legislation aims to ensure the safe and secure usage of open source software by the federal government and critical infrastructure. It directs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to develop a risk framework and hire professionals with experience in open source software development. Additionally, the legislation requires the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance on the secure usage of open source software and establishes a software security subcommittee. Peters and Portman have been leading efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and have successfully passed several bills related to cybersecurity and government network protection.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peters and Portman introduce bipartisan legislation | Strengthening security of open source software | More secure open source software | Preventing exploitation of vulnerabilities |
| Legislation to protect federal and critical infrastructure | Ensure safe and secure use of open source software | Increased protection of critical systems | Cybersecurity threats and attacks |
| Vulnerability in Log4j affects millions of computers | Identification and mitigation of risks | Improved risk management and mitigation | Protecting critical infrastructure |
| Open source software as public infrastructure | Federal support for open source software | Increased support for open source software | Recognizing importance of open source software |
| Bill directs CISA to develop a risk framework | Evaluation and mitigation of risks | Enhanced risk evaluation and mitigation | Securing systems that use open source software |
| CISA to hire professionals with open source software experience | Collaboration between government and community | Stronger collaboration and preparedness | Addressing vulnerabilities in open source software |
| OMB to issue guidance on secure usage of open source software | Secure usage of open source software | Improved security practices for federal agencies | Establishing guidelines for secure usage |
| Peters and Portman’s efforts to strengthen cybersecurity | Strengthening cybersecurity measures | Enhanced cybersecurity practices | Protecting critical systems and networks |