The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has initiated a month-long period for public feedback on its revised National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP). This updated framework aims to enhance collaboration between public and private sectors in addressing significant cyber threats. The move underscores the increasing importance of coordinated efforts in safeguarding digital infrastructure against evolving cyber risks.
The updated NCIRP builds upon previous frameworks, including the 2016 Presidential Policy Directive-41, reflecting advancements in cyber defense strategies over the years. Earlier versions primarily focused on federal government responses, whereas the new draft places greater emphasis on involving state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as international partners, highlighting a more inclusive approach to cyber incident management.
What Changes Does the Updated NCIRP Introduce?
The revised plan delineates four lines of response: asset response, threat response, intelligence support, and affected entity response. By assigning CISA to lead asset responses and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to manage intelligence support, the plan clarifies roles among federal agencies. Additionally, it specifies that federal law enforcement bodies, including the Department of Justice and FBI, will handle threat responses, while affected entity responses will be managed by the respective impacted agencies.
How Was the Draft Plan Developed?
CISA collaborated with over 150 cyber experts from 66 organizations, many affiliated with the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC). The agency conducted three public listening sessions to gather input, ensuring that the plan addresses current cyber threats and incorporates lessons from past incidents. Jeff Greene, CISA’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity, stated,
“This framework aims to provide coherent coordination that matches the pace of our adversaries.”
What is the Role of the Private Sector?
Private sector involvement has been pivotal in shaping the NCIRP, with industry leaders advocating for streamlined regulations. Greene emphasized the importance of giving non-federal stakeholders a clear path to participate in coordinating response efforts. He noted,
“Private-sector companies expressed a strong interest in understanding how and when to engage with the federal government.”
This collaboration seeks to reduce duplicative regulations and alleviate burdensome compliance requirements.
The updated NCIRP represents a significant step toward a more unified and responsive cyber defense strategy. By fostering collaboration between government entities and the private sector, the plan addresses the dynamic nature of cyber threats and the necessity for agile response mechanisms. Stakeholder engagement throughout the development process indicates a comprehensive approach, potentially leading to more effective management of future cyber incidents. As the public comment period progresses, the plan is poised to evolve further, integrating diverse perspectives to enhance national cybersecurity resilience.
