The Pentagon unveiled its inaugural cybersecurity strategy on Thursday, aimed at safeguarding its extensive industrial base from cyber threats. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks emphasized the importance of resilience and collaboration with the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) in defending the nation against adversarial cyberattacks.
This Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Strategy serves as a roadmap for enhancing cybersecurity and resiliency within the supply chain, which comprises numerous entities contracting directly with the Pentagon. The strategy, spanning fiscal years 2024 to 2027, outlines top-level goals like advancing best practices in the industrial base, with specific objectives such as cyberattack recovery.
Integral to the strategy is the department’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model certification program, designed to elevate cybersecurity standards among contractors and ensure compliance and resilience among vendors. The Pentagon has long expressed concerns about the digital vulnerabilities within its supply chain, which has encountered major breaches, including the infamous 2009 incident involving Chinese hackers accessing F-35 design data.
David McKeown, the Pentagon’s deputy chief information officer for cybersecurity, emphasized the persistent threat posed by malicious actors, noting ongoing intrusions and the need for heightened vigilance. He stressed the importance of swift vulnerability patching to prevent potential breaches and emphasized the continuous efforts to stay ahead of cyber threats.
Moving forward, officials plan to develop concrete implementation plans for the strategy for DIB entities to follow, reinforcing cybersecurity measures and bolstering the defense against cyber threats. For further insights, explore the capabilities of the
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