Biden signs executive order to fortify US cybersecurity amid rising nation-state threats
President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to strengthen the United States' defenses against cybercriminals and nation-state actors. The move follows escalating cyber threats, including the recent China-linked “Salt Typhoon” attacks targeting U.S. telecommunications and government agencies.
The executive order, titled Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation’s Cybersecurity, outlines a comprehensive strategy to bolster critical digital infrastructure, enhance software supply chain security, and improve the federal government’s ability to detect and mitigate cyber threats.
Key measures in the executive order
Securing Software Supply Chains:
Software providers must adhere to strict security development practices and submit attestations of compliance.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will validate these attestations to ensure accountability.
Non-compliance may result in public disclosure and potential legal action.
Strengthening Federal Cyber Systems:
Federal agencies must adopt phishing-resistant authentication and zero-trust architectures to improve network security.
CISA is empowered to gain timely access to federal agency data for advanced threat detection.
Combatting Open Source and AI Risks:
Agencies must improve the management and security of open-source software used in federal systems.
AI technologies will be deployed to enhance cybersecurity capabilities, including detecting vulnerabilities and mitigating threats to critical infrastructure.
Protecting Communication and Emerging Technologies:
Federal agencies will enforce encryption for email, DNS traffic, and other communications to safeguard sensitive information.
Preparations for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) are accelerated to address future quantum computing risks.
Cybercrime and Fraud Mitigation:
Digital identity systems will be enhanced to reduce fraud in public benefits programs, with an emphasis on privacy and interoperability.
Pilot programs will notify individuals of potential identity misuse and fraudulent transactions.
Addressing nation-state cyber threats
The executive order identifies China as the most persistent cyber adversary, alongside other state-sponsored actors. It aims to deter attacks through heightened sanctions and measures against entities involved in malicious cyber activities, including ransomware and espionage.
A call to action
President Biden’s executive order builds on the foundation laid by Executive Order 14028 (Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity) and the National Cybersecurity Strategy. By addressing both immediate risks and long-term threats, the administration seeks to ensure the resilience of U.S. digital infrastructure.
"Cyberattacks pose a grave threat to our economy, security, and way of life. This executive order underscores our commitment to a safer, more secure digital future," the statement read.
The order sets deadlines (90-270 days) for federal agencies and private sector partners, with implementation expected to begin immediately.
As the United States faces a growing wave of cyber threats, the executive order represents a crucial step in fortifying the nation’s defenses.
