CISA launches critical infrastructure security partnership
New framework aims to improve threat sharing and resilience across critical infrastructure sectors.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has launched a new advisory framework to strengthen public-private cooperation on critical infrastructure security and resilience.
The initiative, called the Alliance of National Councils for Homeland Operational Resilience, or ANCHOR-CI, is designed to improve information sharing between government and industry and broaden participation across critical infrastructure sectors.
CISA said the framework builds on lessons from the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council while expanding engagement to a wider range of public and private stakeholders.
ANCHOR-CI will provide forums for federal, state, local, tribal and territorial officials to engage with critical infrastructure owners, operators and other organisations with responsibilities for cybersecurity, physical security and resilience.
The framework will allow participants to discuss the threat environment, identify vulnerabilities and develop recommendations for securing more resilient critical infrastructure and cyberspace.
CISA will manage the governance of councils established under ANCHOR-CI, including sector, cross-sector, industry and regional councils.
The launch comes as critical infrastructure operators and public authorities face growing pressure from ransomware, cyberespionage and other threats affecting essential services.
Why does it matter?
Critical infrastructure security depends on cooperation between government agencies and the private-sector operators that own or manage many essential services. ANCHOR-CI is important because it creates a new structure for sharing sensitive information, coordinating resilience planning and giving sector stakeholders a formal way to advise the government. The framework could be especially relevant for cyber threats that cross sectors, such as ransomware, supply-chain compromise and attacks on water, energy, transport or communications systems.
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