By: B.K. Gogia
While the idea of hackers bringing down businesses or critical infrastructure once seemed novel, cyber-warfare and ransomware attacks have become a regular occurrence. The 2019 SolarWinds attack showed us the vulnerability of government systems, and more recently, the Colonial Pipeline attack hampered access to gas and increased prices nationwide. Our country has been forced to grapple with spikes in ransomware attacks against hospitals and schools, along with large businesses that left countless Americans vulnerable including meat producer JBS, the IT firm Kaseya, and Microsoft. These faceless violations from covert actors have sent shockwaves through the halls of government, and the work ahead is both significant and critical.
We can’t change the past, but we can take actions that safeguard our future. Moving forward, our government must prioritize identifying the vulnerabilities of our systems and work to better understand our adversaries and their goals. Just as important, we must exhibit the leadership required to forge ahead toward bipartisan solutions that result in needed action.
Over my 25-year career in technology and cybersecurity I have consistently worked to drive results by making networks and infrastructure more secure through innovative approaches and technologies for businesses and government. This experience has made one thing clear – in today’s interconnected digital world, the stakes are high, and public-private partnerships are the way to create a secure cyber-environment.
Government must collaborate with platform vendors including cloud hosting providers, network companies and cryptocurrency exchanges to prevent attacks. This will enable the collection of information, which will aid in tracking down stolen data and funds when attacks inevitably occur. In addition, this collection of information will also lead to the identification and prosecution of bad actors. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) created the Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, a needed development in the effort to deter and disrupt cyber-threats.
Early action taken by the Biden Administration has been encouraging. Earlier this year, President Biden issued an executive order to improve our nation’s cybersecurity. The order adopts several of the bipartisan Cyberspace Solarium Commission’s (CSC) recommendations. Importantly, it breaks down barriers to allow the sharing of data and information to make us more secure.
The Administration has also focused on the need for collaboration in developing a new cybersecurity framework that improves the security surrounding our supply chain technology. In fact, leaders like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are working to address these challenges in an unprecedented display of commitment and cooperation. Opening the door to information-sharing through this major initiative addresses vulnerabilities and prepares us for against future attacks.
Our leadership understands the threats facing our democracy. The next step will be creating a cohesive cybersecurity strategy and thinking outside of the box when it comes to hackers and cyber-criminals. Those looking to do us harm will continually alter their methods and seek out new vulnerabilities. As our national strategy takes shape, we must focus on how to stay a step ahead of those wishing to do us harm.
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