
As President Joe Biden nears the end of his term, he has issued an executive order aimed at fortifying America’s defenses against cyber threats.
At a Glance
- Malicious entities target U.S. infrastructure through persistent cyberattacks.
- The executive order is intended to strengthen cybersecurity measures and introduces advanced technologies.
- New sanctions aim to deter and penalize cybercriminals and hostile nations.
- AI and cryptography advancements form a cornerstone of the updated defense strategy.
Strengthening Cybersecurity
Biden’s recent executive order aims to address the ongoing threat of cyberattacks from hostile nations and criminal networks that disrupt services and result in substantial financial losses. These attacks highlight the urgency of reinforcing America’s digital infrastructure to prevent further disruptions.
The order seeks to improve cybersecurity by employing AI-based tools and post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, potentially making cyberattacks considerably more challenging and expensive for the assailants. This directive also introduces privacy-promoting digital identities aimed at reducing fraudulent activities within federal programs.
Biden Executive Order Aims to Shore Up US Cyber Defenses https://t.co/FVbjO6Hvgp
— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) January 16, 2025
Expanding Sanctions and Industry Regulations
Stringent sanctions have been applied to serve as repercussions for ransomware offenders and entities behind attacks on critical U.S. infrastructure. These measures specifically target countries such as China, Russia, and Iran known for their cybercriminal activities against the United States.
Software vendors with government contracts must now demonstrate compliance with secure development practices, aiming to cement trust and ensure the security of software across federal systems. This accountability fosters transparency as these compliance findings are scheduled for public release.
Artificial Intelligence and Modern Encryption
AI’s capabilities for identifying and mitigating cyber threats are harnessed in a collaborative initiative between the government and private sector, especially focusing on critical infrastructure such as the energy sector. Additionally, the order streamlines cybersecurity operations within governmental bodies, minimizing bureaucratic delays.
By adopting post-quantum cryptographic technologies, the executive order looks ahead to future threats posed by advances in quantum computing.
An 11th Hour Move
The cybersecurity executive order comes just days before the end of Biden’s term as president. Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger reportedly believes the order’s main objectives will have support on both sides of the aisle, although it is still unclear whether incoming President Donald Trump will keep the policy or move in another direction.
Sources
- FACT SHEET: New Executive Order on Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation’s Cybersecurity
- Biden Issues 11th-Hour Cyber Executive Order
- Biden issues order to strengthen federal cyber defenses
- US executive order seeks to shore up cyber defenses
- Biden executive order aims to shore up US cyber defenses