Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act Executives Exhibit Optimism Regarding Potential Extension of Legislation at BHUSA Conference
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) is ramping up its efforts to combat cyber threats, with a focus on information sharing, modernising funding for key programs, and expanding partnerships.
In December 2015, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act was adopted and signed by then-President Barack Obama. This act has been instrumental in facilitating the sharing of cyber threat information between government agencies and private companies. However, the Act is set to expire on September 30, 2025, and CISA leaders, including Christopher Butera, the active executive assistant director, and Robert Costello, the CIO, have expressed hope that Congress will reauthorize it before the deadline.
CISA's commitment to information sharing is evident in its services like Cyber Hygiene (CyHy), a service that scans public-facing endpoints for vulnerabilities. Currently, over 11,000 users benefit from this service. In an effort to make it easier for more entities to sign up for CyHy, CISA is set to release IT services in the next couple of months.
The importance of information sharing is underscored by the rapid changes in cyber threats. CISA has been at the forefront of helping government agencies and companies mitigate various vulnerabilities, such as the 'ToolShell' SharePoint vulnerability exploit campaigns.
CISA's efforts to improve cooperation with US companies extend beyond the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act. The agency plans to modernise and diversify funding for programs like the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program, enhance infrastructure, expand partnerships, and increase trust in the cybersecurity information ecosystem.
Cynthia Kaiser, SVP at Halcyon and former deputy assistant director of the FBI's Cyber Division, strongly believes the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act should be renewed. She emphasised the importance of the Act in combating cyber threats and protecting critical infrastructure.
In addition to these initiatives, CISA staff members have launched Thorium, a new malware and forensic analysis platform. This platform is expected to strengthen CISA's capabilities in detecting and responding to cyber threats.
Despite reports of a decline under the Trump administration, CISA leaders, Costello and Butera, have dismissed these claims. Butera stated that while some employees took voluntary separation, a talented workforce still remains at CISA.
CISA's acting director, Madhu Gottumukkala, had to cancel attendance at Black Hat USA 2025 due to a personal matter. Despite this, the agency continues to press forward in its mission to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity.
In the words of Costello, "We're not retrieving, we're advancing to a new direction." The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency is indeed marching forward, determined to meet the challenges of the digital age head-on.
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