Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

2013-02-19Executive Order 13636
Signed by: Barack Obama
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Headline: Directs Federal Agencies and Owners to Improve Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

What it does: Agencies must share cyber threat information, develop and promote a voluntary cybersecurity framework led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and identify critical infrastructure at greatest risk.

Real World Impact:
  • More timely cyber threat reports sent to private companies to improve defense.
  • Creation of a voluntary cybersecurity framework for owners and operators to adopt.
  • Government will identify and confidentially notify highest-risk infrastructure owners.
Topics: cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, information sharing, privacy protections, government standards

Summary

This order directs federal agencies and owners of critical infrastructure to improve cybersecurity and share more cyber threat information to protect systems vital to national security, the economy, and public safety.

It orders the National Institute of Standards and Technology to lead development of a voluntary Cybersecurity Framework, sets deadlines for threat reporting and expanded information programs, and establishes a consultative process with industry.

It also requires privacy and civil liberties assessments, asks agencies to recommend incentives and acquisition changes, and directs identifying infrastructure most at risk.

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