An upcoming executive order soon to be signed by President Joe Biden will include language around leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for cyber defense and enhancing software security, according to a summary shared with POLITICO.
The Strategic Focus on Cybersecurity
The executive order is the third that Biden will sign in office, aiming to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity through AI utilization and critical upgrades to federal security standards.
President-elect Donald Trump’s stance on maintaining this order post-inauguration remains uncertain, raising questions about the future cybersecurity landscape amidst bipartisan concerns.
Empowering Cyber Defense with AI
The proposed order outlines plans to establish AI-driven programs at the Pentagon and in the energy sector to fortify cyber defense and enhance cybersecurity measures.
This initiative builds on the Pentagon’s ongoing research on AI applications for bolstering critical system security, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the Defense Department and the Energy Department.
Addressing Software Security Challenges
The executive order tackles software security issues that have plagued the Biden administration, requiring stringent cybersecurity measures from software providers to federal agencies.
Notably, the order mandates software companies to demonstrate robust cybersecurity practices to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, formalizing existing cybersecurity protocols.
Cloud security is also a key focus, with requirements for private sector cloud service providers to enhance system security, especially for federal data protection.
Enhancing Federal Cybersecurity Measures
Further provisions include the adoption of the Cyber Trust Mark label for internet-connected devices by federal agencies, promoting cybersecurity adherence based on NIST standards.
The order also advocates for digital identity services and validation processes to streamline public benefit applications through digital documents like driver’s licenses.
Securing U.S. Satellites and Strengthening Threat Detection
Efforts to bolster satellite cybersecurity and establish working groups for threat hunting and endpoint detection within federal networks are integral components of the executive order.
This comprehensive approach signifies a concerted push towards enhancing national cybersecurity resilience across various domains.
Looking Ahead
As the executive order’s details unfold, the impending signature by President Biden underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity measures. Stay tuned for further developments and insights into this transformative cybersecurity strategy.
