Biden Issues Executive Order to Strengthen Cybersecurity
President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Thursday aimed at strengthening the nation's cybersecurity and making it easier to go after foreign adversaries or hacking groups that try to compromise U.S. internet and telecommunication systems.
The provisions in the order call for the development of minimum cybersecurity standards for government technology contractors and require that contractors submit evidence that they're complying with the rules.
Key Provisions of the Executive Order
- The order requires federal agencies to improve cybersecurity to protect against the threat posed by powerful quantum computers, which cyber experts say could be used to easily break into many systems.
- It also allows sanctions to be imposed on foreign hackers who target hospitals or other organizations with ransomware.
- The order mandates that contractors submit evidence of their compliance with cybersecurity standards.
Bipartisan Support for the Executive Order
Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger said the order's twin goals — strengthening cybersecurity and punishing those responsible for cyberattacks — should win bipartisan support.
The order is intended to show that “America means business when it comes to protecting our businesses and our citizens,” Neuberger said while briefing reporters on the new policies.
Building on Earlier Actions
The executive order builds on several earlier actions by the Biden administration intended to boost defenses against cyber intrusions — whether they target the government, critical infrastructure like ports or power plants, U.S. businesses or individual users.
- In early January, the White House announced a labeling program designed to help consumers pick smart devices that are more resistant to hacking.
- The cyber trust mark program allows manufacturers of internet-connected devices to attach the label and let buyers know the product meets federal cybersecurity standards.
Trump's National Cybersecurity Positions
President-elect Donald Trump has not announced his picks for top national cybersecurity positions, but John Ratcliffe, Trump's nominee to be CIA director, expressed concerns about China's potential advancements in quantum computing during his Senate confirmation hearing.
Ratcliffe said it's essential the U.S. improve its defensive and offensive cyber capabilities to keep up with China and other adversaries.
- Ratcliffe emphasized that American spy agencies have “the best code makers and code breakers in the world,” but warned that if China gets to quantum computing before the U.S., it's a real problem.
Implications of the Executive Order
The executive order issued by President Biden has significant implications for the nation's cybersecurity and its ability to counter foreign adversaries or hacking groups that try to compromise U.S. internet and telecommunication systems.
The order aims to strengthen the country's defenses against cyber intrusions, improve its offensive capabilities, and make it easier to sanction foreign governments that target the U.S. with cyberattacks.
Future Directions
The executive order sets the stage for future actions by the Biden administration and potentially the Trump administration as well, in terms of addressing cybersecurity threats and strengthening national security.
It remains to be seen whether the incoming Trump administration will rescind or modify the policy, but one thing is certain: the nation's cybersecurity will continue to be a pressing concern that requires bipartisan support and concerted action.