The White House is intensifying its efforts to secure the foundational elements of the internet infrastructure. National Cyber Director Harry Coker outlined plans aimed at enhancing the security of data routing and programming languages. These initiatives reflect the administration’s commitment to safeguarding digital operations nationwide. Additionally, these measures seek to reduce vulnerabilities that could compromise both government and private sector networks.
Europe has already implemented Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) in approximately 70% of its IP space, while the United States has achieved around 40%. The White House acknowledges the need to accelerate its adoption rate to match global standards.
Securing Internet Routing with RPKI
The administration is focusing on implementing RPKI to protect the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), which directs data across the internet through numerous networks.
“We’ve known for decades that the foundation of today’s internet is not secure,”
Coker emphasized, highlighting the importance of preventing data detours and unauthorized routing. The goal is to have RPKI adopted in over 60% of the federal government’s advertised IP space by year-end.
Enhancing Programming Language Safety
Transitioning to memory-safe programming languages like Go or Rust is another priority for the White House. This shift aims to eliminate common vulnerabilities associated with languages such as C and C++.
“The quality of life, again, how we live, work and play, is on this digital foundation that we need to make as secure as possible,”
Coker stated, underscoring the significance of secure software development in protecting digital infrastructure.
Bridging the Implementation Gap
Despite progress, the U.S. is lagging behind Europe in implementing these security measures. Coker pointed out the necessity for the federal government to expedite its efforts to enhance internet routing security. Establishing a working group to explore further steps after broader RPKI adoption is part of the strategy to close this gap.
Enhancing internet routing and programming language security are critical steps in fortifying the nation’s digital infrastructure. By adopting RPKI and promoting memory-safe languages, the White House aims to mitigate potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities. These measures will not only protect government networks but also set a standard for the private sector, fostering a more secure digital ecosystem. Ongoing collaboration and accelerated implementation are essential to achieving these security objectives effectively.
