The Biden administration has unveiled its new national cybersecurity strategy, emphasizing the need for legislation that holds software companies accountable for security flaws in their products. The strategy identifies China as the foremost cyber threat to U.S. interests and outlines a collaborative approach with Congress and the private sector to enhance cybersecurity standards. Key initiatives include establishing a ‘safe harbor framework’ for secure software development, expanding the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force’s capabilities, and improving disruption operations against cybercriminals. The government also plans to label Internet of Things (IoT) devices for security awareness. Additionally, there is a focus on enhancing cybersecurity workforce diversity and exploring federal cyber insurance mechanisms to stabilize markets against catastrophic cyber incidents. Overall, the strategy aims to create a more accountable and proactive cybersecurity environment amid growing threats from foreign adversaries.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Liability Legislation | New legislation may hold software companies accountable for security failures. | Shift from a liability-free model to one where companies can be held accountable for software security. | In 10 years, software security will likely improve as companies prioritize security to avoid liability. | Increasing cyber threats and demand for accountability in software security practices. | 5 |
| Increased Cybersecurity Collaboration | The U.S. government plans to enhance collaboration with cloud providers for cybersecurity. | Transition from isolated cybersecurity efforts to collaborative approaches involving multiple stakeholders. | Ten years from now, a robust collaborative cybersecurity ecosystem may emerge, improving national security. | The need for a unified response to growing cyber threats from adversaries. | 4 |
| Safe Harbor Framework for Cybersecurity | A proposed framework may protect companies that prioritize cybersecurity from liability. | Move towards a model that incentivizes secure software development through liability protection. | In a decade, companies may adopt advanced cybersecurity practices to qualify for liability protection. | Desire for companies to innovate while ensuring their products are secure. | 4 |
| Focus on Cyber Insurance Markets | Exploring how the government can stabilize the cyber insurance market amid risks. | From reactive insurance claims to proactive measures in improving cybersecurity practices. | The cyber insurance landscape could evolve, promoting better security practices among businesses. | Increasing frequency and severity of cyber incidents necessitating a more robust insurance framework. | 3 |
| China as a Cyber Threat | China is identified as the most persistent cyber threat to the U.S. | Awareness has shifted from general cyber threats to specific focus on China’s capabilities and intentions. | In 10 years, global cybersecurity strategies may be significantly shaped by the response to Chinese cyber threats. | Escalating geopolitical tensions and competition in technology and cyber capabilities. | 5 |
| Digital Identity Solutions | Efforts to implement robust digital identity solutions are part of the strategy. | Shift from traditional identity verification methods to more secure digital identity frameworks. | Digital identity solutions may become standard, enhancing security and trust online. | The need for secure and verifiable identities in an increasingly digital world. | 4 |
| Emphasis on Cybersecurity Workforce Diversity | The strategy includes plans to enhance diversity in the cybersecurity workforce. | Transition from a homogenous workforce to a more diverse cybersecurity talent pool. | A more diverse workforce may bring varied perspectives, improving cybersecurity strategies and solutions. | The recognition that diverse teams can enhance innovation and problem-solving in cybersecurity. | 3 |
| IoT Security Labeling | Plans to label IoT products for security awareness are being explored. | Shift from unregulated IoT products to a system that informs consumers about security levels. | Consumers may become more informed about IoT security, impacting purchasing decisions and manufacturer accountability. | Consumer demand for transparency and accountability in product security. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Software Security Liability | Proposed legislation may hold companies accountable for software security, raising concerns about implementation and impact on innovation. | 4 |
| China’s Cyber Threats | China’s growing cyber capabilities pose significant risks to U.S. interests, potentially destabilizing global cybersecurity landscape. | 5 |
| Insecure IoT Devices | Continued reliance on poorly secured IoT devices could lead to widespread vulnerabilities and attacks on personal and national infrastructure. | 4 |
| Cloud Infrastructure Exploitation | Use of U.S.-based cloud services by adversaries to conduct cyberattacks raises concerns over national security and data integrity. | 5 |
| Cyber Insurance Market Risks | Potential for a catastrophic cyber incident causing insurance market collapse, challenging accountability and response strategies. | 4 |
| Disinformation Campaigns | Lack of focus on foreign disinformation efforts may leave a critical gap in national security and public awareness. | 3 |
| Implementation of Cybersecurity Plans | Uncertainty over how new cybersecurity measures and regulations will be enforced may undermine their effectiveness. | 4 |
| Open Source Software Vulnerabilities | Increasing reliance on open source software with inadequate security practices could lead to escalated hacking incidents. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Legislative Accountability for Software Security | A push for legislation making companies liable for software security, promoting accountability in cybersecurity practices. | 5 |
| Collaborative Cyber Disruption Efforts | Increased collaboration between government and private sectors for faster, coordinated cyber disruption campaigns. | 4 |
| Safe Harbor Framework for Cybersecurity | Development of frameworks to protect companies from liability when they demonstrate good cybersecurity practices. | 4 |
| Consumer Awareness through IoT Security Labeling | Implementation of labeling systems for IoT devices to inform consumers about security levels of products. | 3 |
| Expansion of Cyber Insurance Markets | Exploration of federal involvement in stabilizing cybersecurity insurance markets to manage catastrophic risks. | 3 |
| Diversity in Cybersecurity Workforce | Focus on improving diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity workforce to enhance capabilities. | 3 |
| Strengthened Cybersecurity Standards | Establishment of higher standards of care for software in high-risk scenarios to enhance security measures. | 4 |
| Increased Monitoring of Foreign Use of U.S. Infrastructure | Cloud providers required to verify identities of foreign users to mitigate risks of cyber threats. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Legislation | Proposed laws to establish liability for software security, ensuring companies are accountable for their products. | 5 |
| Safe Harbor Framework | A framework that companies can adopt to demonstrate commitment to cybersecurity and avoid liability. | 4 |
| Cloud Provider Collaboration | Enhanced partnerships between the government and cloud services to identify and disrupt cyber threats. | 4 |
| Cyber Insurance Market | Exploration of federal cyber insurance to stabilize markets against catastrophic cyber incidents. | 3 |
| IoT Security Labeling | System of labeling IoT products to inform consumers about their security levels. | 4 |
| Digital Identity Solutions | Development of robust, verifiable digital identity technologies to improve cybersecurity practices. | 4 |
| 5G Security Strategy | Initiatives to secure 5G infrastructure against emerging threats and vulnerabilities. | 5 |
| National Artificial Intelligence Initiative | Strategic efforts to advance AI technology with a focus on cybersecurity implications. | 4 |
| Software Supply Chain Security | Enhancements in securing software supply chains from vulnerabilities and attacks. | 5 |
| Cyber Threat Disruption Technology | Technological platforms for continuous, coordinated disruption of cyber threats. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Legislation and Liability | The Biden administration’s push for legislation holding software providers liable for security flaws may reshape the industry. | 5 |
| China as a Cyber Threat | The identification of China as the primary cyber threat to U.S. interests raises concerns about national security and economic implications. | 5 |
| Cyber Insurance Market Stability | Exploring the role of federal cyber insurance to stabilize the market against catastrophic cyber incidents could influence cybersecurity practices. | 4 |
| Insecure IoT Devices | The proliferation of low-cost, insecure IoT devices from China poses significant cybersecurity risks that need addressing. | 4 |
| Collaborative Cyber Disruption Operations | The strategy emphasizes collaboration between the government and private sector to disrupt cyber threats but faces implementation challenges. | 4 |
| Diversity in Cybersecurity Workforce | The strategy highlights the need to strengthen and diversify the cybersecurity workforce, which is critical for future resilience. | 3 |
| Regulatory Approach to Cybersecurity | The balance of regulation versus private sector responsibility in cybersecurity remains a contentious issue amidst evolving threats. | 3 |