Why CISA was created:
CISA was created in response to an increasing number of cyber attacks on U.S. government agencies, private companies, and critical infrastructure such as power grids, transportation systems, and water treatment plants. The agency was officially established in November 2018 with the passing of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act.
The role of CISA:
CISA’s primary responsibility is to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber and physical threats. The agency coordinates with other government agencies, private sector companies, and international partners to identify and respond to potential threats. CISA also provides resources and guidance to help organizations improve their cybersecurity posture.
CISA operates a 24/7 watch center that monitors for potential cyber and physical threats to critical infrastructure. The agency also disseminates threat intelligence and alerts to relevant stakeholders to help them prepare and respond to potential attacks.
CISA is also responsible for conducting cybersecurity assessments of federal agencies and critical infrastructure entities to identify vulnerabilities and gaps in their security posture. The agency provides technical assistance and recommendations to help organizations improve their security.
CISA also works to improve the overall cybersecurity posture of the federal government by providing guidance, training, and technical assistance to federal agencies. The agency also operates the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which provides a standardized approach to security assessment and authorization for cloud products and services used by the federal government.
CISA’s impact:
Since its creation, CISA has helped to improve the country’s cybersecurity posture and strengthen critical infrastructure protection efforts. The agency has worked to increase awareness of potential threats and provide resources to help organizations improve their security posture.
CISA has also responded to numerous cyber and physical threats to critical infrastructure, including the recent SolarWinds supply chain attack and the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. The agency has worked with its partners to identify and contain the threats and mitigate their impact.
CISA has also worked to promote collaboration between government agencies, private sector companies, and international partners to improve cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure. The agency has established partnerships with organizations such as the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) and the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA) to share threat intelligence and coordinate response efforts.
Conclusion:
CISA plays a vital role in protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber and physical threats. The agency’s efforts to promote cybersecurity awareness, provide resources and guidance, and coordinate response efforts has helped to improve the nation’s overall cybersecurity posture. However, there is still much work to be done to stay ahead of evolving threats and protect critical infrastructure from potential attacks.