As cyber-attacks continue to be a major threat against our nation’s cybersecurity, President Biden has announced an executive order for cybersecurity. The cybersecurity executive order aims to strengthen cybersecurity by tasking government agencies with creating new and strengthening existing cyber defenses aimed at protecting critical infrastructure across the United States.
#1 Cybercrime is On the Rise
Threats to cybersecurity include cyber attacks from a cybercriminal, foreign government cyberattack, or cyber terrorism; all of which are on an upward trend.
The cybersecurity executive order is designed to ensure that critical infrastructure protection and information systems at some federal agencies have an adequate level of cyber defense (i.e. cybersecurity).
#2 Cyber Risk Assessments
The cybersecurity executive order will require federal agencies to conduct cyber risk assessments and use both of those reports as a guide for cyber defense priorities.
The cyber risk assessment helps identify cyber threats (i.e., vulnerabilities) and prioritize the most critical cyber protections to mitigate potential harm from cyber-attacks (i.e. cybercrime, cyber terrorism, and cyber espionage).
#3 Framework Strategy
The cybersecurity executive order brought together the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and other agencies within the administration who came up with a framework that monitors cyber risks.
The cyber risk monitoring strategy by the federal agencies “is designed to enable effective cyber defenses and reduce cyber risks.”
Is This the Right Thing to Do?
There is much that we can learn about cybersecurity from the cyber risk assessments and cyber risk monitoring strategy. We can use these cyber defense techniques to protect critical cyber infrastructure (i.e. government, military, telecommunications, and financial institutions) against cyber attacks.
Does Cybersecurity Affect You?
Cyber-attacks have plagued the internet and cyberspace for years. As cyber technology continues to advance, cyber-attacks are also expected to be on an upward trend to exploit cyber vulnerabilities e.g. cybercrime, cyber terrorism, and cyber espionage.
For you to protect yourself against cyberattacks, you must understand cybersecurity issues. Knowing how cyber attacks occur and knowing the cybersecurity measures that can be taken to defend against cyberattacks will help you protect yourself from cyber-attacks.
How Cyberattacks Affect You:
- You may have become a victim of identity theft or cybercrime as a result of your personal information being stolen from cyber attacks.
- You may be cyber-attacked and cybercriminals hack into your computer to gain access to sensitive information stored on your hard drive. This cyber-attack can result in cybercriminals stealing your financial data or intellectual property that is worth a lot of money.
Can Cyber Weapons Be Used to Cyber Attack You?
Yes, cyber weapons are being designed to target cyber defense systems. The United States believes that cyberattacks against cyberinfrastructure (e.g. government, military, telecommunications, and financial institutions) originating from a foreign country could be considered as an act of cyberwar.
What is Your Next Step?
Cybersecurity is the process of protecting your sensitive data from cyber-attacks by utilizing new methods powered by social engineering and artificial intelligence. Engage cyber security services to protect your data.
Although it’s a difficult task, cybersecurity professionals have always been vigilant in keeping up with evolving technologies to ensure that your information remains safe.