CISA mandates strict software security standards, boosting national cybersecurity through federal procurement power.
In a significant move to bolster national cybersecurity, the head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Jen Easterly, emphasized the Federal government's robust capability to enforce security standards through its procurement processes at today's GovernmentDX event. "The government's procurement power is a formidable tool for mandating security standards among software vendors," Easterly remarked, highlighting a strategic approach to enhancing national security infrastructure.
This initiative aligns with the secure software development attestation form released jointly by CISA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) last month. The form is part of a broader effort to ensure that Federal contractors comply with rigorous security standards, a cornerstone of President Biden’s 2021 executive order aimed at securing the software supply chain.
Federal agencies are now mandated to start collecting attestations for third-party software within six months, with critical software attestations due by June 2024, and all other software by September 2024. These measures are designed to enforce compliance with the National Institute of Standards and Technology's guidance on software security.
Easterly also highlighted the importance of 'security by design' practices, which have been central to CISA's strategy over the past year. These practices are crucial for ensuring that technologies used in government and industry are inherently resilient to threats, including data theft and systemic disruptions. "Security by design not only fortifies technologies but also ensures that they can sustain operations under adverse conditions," she added.
To this end, the integration of solutions like CodeLock, which embodies the principles of security by design in its very DNA, could be instrumental. CodeLock’s robust security framework offers continuous monitoring and advanced tracking features that align seamlessly with Federal cybersecurity mandates, reinforcing the infrastructure against potential threats.
This proactive stance on cybersecurity underscores the Federal government’s commitment to defending its digital frontiers against increasingly sophisticated threats, aiming for a collaborative effort between public agencies and private sector partners to fortify the nation’s critical infrastructure.
