The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) just kicked off its first-ever two-year International Strategic Plan. This plan aims to tighten security and resilience not just at home, but with partners around the world.
CISA pointed out that the challenges faced by U.S. federal agencies and local governments are intricate and widespread, often crossing borders. This means collaboration with global partners, like the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is vital. CISA director Jen Easterly made it clear: following this plan means better coordination with international allies to protect the interconnected infrastructure that Americans rely on daily.
The International Strategic Plan rests on three main pillars: enhancing global infrastructure resilience, fortifying integrated cyber defenses, and improving agency cooperation on a global scale. The goal is to prevent incidents, disrupt threats, and lower systemic risks. CISA also aims to boost understanding of dependencies worldwide, influence international policies and standards, help partners tackle cyber capability gaps, and increase the sharing of expertise across borders.
Emily Phelps, director of Cyware, emphasized the importance of this international approach. As cyber threats become more complex, sharing information quickly and collaboratively is essential. CISA’s focus on creating stronger security defenses demonstrates a forward-looking mindset about the interdependencies in our cyber landscape. Phelps described the plan as a significant step toward unified action against shared threats, noting that this could set a precedent for global cybersecurity efforts.
CISA came into existence in 2018 during President Trump’s first term, taking over from the National Protection and Programs Directorate. The agency faced challenges when it disputed Trump’s claims about voting system vulnerabilities after the contentious 2020 election, which ultimately led to the firing of its founding director, Christopher Krebs. However, CISA has regrouped under President Biden’s administration, although some lawmakers worry it may face cuts if Trump returns to power.
Despite uncertainties about its future, CISA remains vigilant, especially when it comes to protecting U.S. election systems from foreign interference. Recently, it launched a dedicated website as part of its #Protect2024 initiative to keep citizens informed about cyber threats and misinformation ahead of the upcoming election on November 5.
One of CISA’s recent achievements includes dismantling a Russian disinformation campaign that featured a deepfake video falsely showing someone destroying ballots in Pennsylvania. CISA’s spokesperson explained that this kind of Russian activity aims to sow distrust in U.S. elections and deepen divisions among Americans, as outlined in earlier updates from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. They anticipate that Russia will continue producing media to undermine trust as Election Day approaches and beyond.