New Draft of National Cyber Incident Response Plan Released

December 18, 2024December 18, 2024

CISA Unveils Draft for New National Cyber Incident Response Plan

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has recently released the initial draft of the new National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP), a crucial framework for enhancing the U.S. response to cyberattacks. This updated plan outlines the responsibilities of federal agencies and the private sector, categorizing them into four key response tiers: asset response, threat response, intelligence support, and affected entity response. As cyber threats grow in complexity, this comprehensive plan aims to streamline collaboration and improve incident management.

Developed in conjunction with over 150 cybersecurity experts, the draft NCIRP assigns specific government agencies to each response tier. For instance, the asset response will be led by CISA and the Department of Defense, while intelligence support will be coordinated by the FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. According to Jeff Greene, CISA’s Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity, the plan isn’t a rigid checklist but rather a guide to navigate decision-making during unique incidents. "This document is not a blow by blow [saying] ‘when X happens, thou shalt do Y,’ because every incident is going to be different," Greene explained.

Key Features of the New National Cyber Incident Response Plan

Asset Response: Spearheaded by CISA and the Department of Defense, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure.
Threat Response: Involves assessing and mitigating threats in real-time.
Intelligence Support: Led by the FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to provide necessary intelligence during incidents.
Affected Entity Response: Outlines how to support organizations directly impacted by cyber incidents.

Importance of the NCIRP

The updated NCIRP reflects the evolving landscape of cyber threats and emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach between government and private entities. As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, having a well-defined response plan is essential for minimizing damage and facilitating recovery.

Next Steps for Feedback

The public and stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft NCIRP over the next month. This input is vital for refining the plan and ensuring it meets the needs of all parties involved in cyber incident response.

For more information on cybersecurity protocols, visit CISA’s official website or read related articles on Nextgov.

As we navigate an increasingly connected world, your thoughts on these developments are invaluable. Share your insights or check out our related articles to stay informed about the latest in cybersecurity initiatives.

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