The US government is taking decisive steps to strengthen its cyber security posture in response to growing threats from Nation State Threat Actors. Outgoing president Joe Biden is expected to sign an executive order that introduces stricter cyber security standards for federal agencies and contractors.

This move reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive systems and data from increasing cyberattacks targeting the government and critical infrastructure.

A central focus of the executive order is enhancing security practices during software development. Federal agencies and their contractors will be required to adopt more rigorous cyber security protocols to ensure vulnerabilities are minimised from the outset.

Additionally, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will implement a verification process to evaluate the security practices of vendors.

This will include requiring companies to document their cyber security measures thoroughly, a step aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.

The executive order introduces significant consequences for non-compliance. Vendors who fail to meet the outlined security standards or provide accurate documentation may face legal repercussions. This measure not only aims to protect government systems but also serves as a clear message that lax cyber security practices will no longer be tolerated.

Another critical aspect of the initiative is addressing supply chain security risks. The US government is particularly concerned about the potential for adversaries to exploit third-party software used within federal systems. By implementing these stricter standards, the US hopes to mitigate such risks and secure its supply chains against potential breaches.

This initiative comes at a time when cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Officials have highlighted the importance of taking a proactive stance to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited. The executive order also sets a precedent for the private sector, potentially encouraging broader adoption of robust cyber security practices across industries.

For vendors, these changes will necessitate significant investments in improving their security measures and documentation. Those who fail to comply risk losing federal contracts, which could result in both financial and reputational damage.

While the executive order is expected to be signed soon, implementing and enforcing these standards will require time. Agencies like CISA will provide guidance to vendors to help them meet the new requirements.

As the US government steps up its efforts, this initiative is expected to strengthen the nation’s cyber defences and serve as a benchmark for the cyber security landscape in the years to come.

The US government's move to implement stricter cyber security standards for federal agencies and contractors serves as a reminder of the growing importance of proactive cyber security measures across all sectors.

The US initiative also underscores the potential for collaboration between government bodies and private technology firms, a model that could benefit the UK. Adopting more stringent cyber security standards, as well as fostering public-private partnerships, would help ensure the UK can defend against evolving cyber threats.

Reporting

Report all Fraud and Cybercrime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).