The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released an updated draft of the National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP) on Monday, marking the first proposed changes to the framework since its initial release in 2016. As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more complex, the revised plan aims to address the growing need for a coordinated and adaptive response. This 42-page document details the United States government’s strategy for managing large-scale cyberattacks impacting the national economy, outlining specific roles, methodologies, and prioritizations for various government agencies.
In addition to the guidance offered to public sector entities, the updated NCIRP underscores the importance of cross-sector and public-private collaboration during cyber incident responses. Developed with input from the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) and members of the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC), the plan is not a rigid manual but rather a flexible framework meant to adapt to rapidly changing threats. CISA Director Jen Easterly emphasized that an agile and seamless incident response framework is crucial in today’s complex threat landscape, highlighting the plan’s capacity to effectively respond to unforeseen cyber challenges.
Emphasizing Public-Private Collaboration
The collaboration between CISA and private sector entities plays a significant role in shaping the updated NCIRP. Jeff Greene, CISA’s Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity, pointed out the agency’s efforts in integrating non-federal stakeholders into cyber incident responses. By involving private sector members in the planning and execution phases, the framework ensures that vital expertise and resources are leveraged when handling major cyber incidents. The collaboration aims to bring together the strengths of both public and private sectors to create a united front against cyber threats.
Incorporating lessons learned from past incidents, the revised plan aims to include newer agencies that have emerged since 2016. This reflects the dynamic legal and policy changes that continue to influence the cybersecurity landscape. By updating the NCIRP to include these new agencies and partners, the plan ensures that all relevant stakeholders are prepared and can work together effectively during a crisis. The goal is to provide actionable and relevant guidance that can be implemented quickly and efficiently, minimizing the impact of large-scale cyber incidents on the national economy and public safety.
Legal and Policy Contexts
The impetus for updating the NCIRP stems from recent developments such as the National Cyber Strategy of 2022 and bipartisan calls to enhance the nation’s preparedness against cyber threats. A notable catalyst was the criticism of CISA’s decision to forgo a specific Continuity of the Economy (COTE) plan, which was mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2021. Although Congress required the COTE plan to address economic disruptions caused by cyberattacks, CISA maintained that existing measures were sufficient. This updated NCIRP aims to bridge that gap by providing comprehensive guidelines that address economic continuity alongside broader cybersecurity concerns.
Public commentary on the draft NCIRP is open until January 15, 2025, reflecting the collaborative approach taken in its development. The plan has already benefited from the input of more than 150 experts from 66 organizations, along with insights gathered from three public listening sessions. This broad range of perspectives helps ensure that the plan is well-rounded and takes into account the diverse challenges that various sectors may face during a cyber incident. By inviting further feedback, CISA aims to refine the plan to enhance its effectiveness and ensure it meets the needs of all stakeholders involved.
An Agile and Actionable Framework
One of the primary goals of the updated NCIRP is to provide a framework that is both agile and actionable, capable of adapting to the continuous evolution of cyber threats. This approach is in stark contrast to many traditional, rigid plans that may not be able to keep pace with the fast-moving nature of cyber incidents. The new framework is designed to be dynamic, allowing for updates and improvements as new threats emerge and as the cybersecurity landscape evolves. This ensures that the NCIRP remains a relevant and effective tool for managing cyber incidents, even as the nature of these threats continues to change.
In addition to its agility, the plan emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and iterative learning. By incorporating feedback from public consultations and lessons learned from past incidents, the NCIRP is designed to evolve over time. This approach allows for the plan to be refined and improved upon as new information becomes available, ensuring that it remains effective in addressing the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats. The commitment to continuous improvement underscores the importance of staying ahead of potential threats and maintaining a robust and responsive cyber incident response framework.
Enhancing National Preparedness
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an updated draft of the National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP) on Monday, marking the first proposed revisions since its original release in 2016. As cyber threats grow in complexity, the refreshed plan aims to meet the increasing need for a coordinated and adaptive response framework. This 42-page document outlines the U.S. government’s approach for handling major cyberattacks that impact the national economy, detailing specific roles, methodologies, and priorities for various government entities.
In addition to the guidance provided to public sector organizations, the updated NCIRP emphasizes the crucial role of cross-sector and public-private partnerships during cyber incident responses. Created with input from the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) and the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) members, the plan is not a strict manual but a flexible framework designed to adapt to evolving threats. CISA Director Jen Easterly highlighted the necessity of an agile and seamless incident response framework in today’s complex threat landscape, underscoring the plan’s ability to effectively address unforeseen cyber challenges.