The Trump Administration on March 6 released a “Cyber Strategy for America,” which include six policy pillars that will guide implementation and measures for success.
The six pillars are as follows:
• Shape Adversary Behavior
• Promote Common Sense Regulation
• Modernize and Secure Federal Government Networks
• Secure Critical Infrastructure
• Sustain Superiority in Critical and Emerging Technologies
• Build Talent and Capacity
With respect to securing critical infrastructure, the strategy states: “We will identify, prioritize, and harden America’s critical infrastructure and secure its supply chains, including defense critical infrastructure and adjacent vendors, private companies, networks, and services—such as the energy grid, financial and telecommunication systems, data centers, water utilities, and hospitals—securing information and operational technology supply chains.”
The strategy said that “We must move away from adversary vendors and products, promoting and employing U.S. technologies. We will deny our adversaries initial access, and in the event of an incident, we must be able to recover quickly. We will galvanize the role of state, local, Tribal, and territorial authorities as a complement to—not a substitute for—our national cybersecurity efforts.”
“Cyber security has become a key aspect of safely and reliably functioning as a modern-day utility. Just like physical security, cyber security is weaved into our everyday operations,” noted Tom Kent, President and CEO of the Nebraska Public Power District.
Along with his role at NPPD, Kent is also co-chair of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council.
“The importance of a strong cyber security program, including robust employee awareness education is increasing exponentially as we take advantage of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence,” he said.
“These new digital technologies may bring different cyber security challenges, but they can also provide new opportunities to operate more safely and effectively as a utility. With the same focus of ensuring our customers continue to experience the reliable, affordable energy they’ve experienced for decades from public power.”
