Cybersecurity in the United States: the role of US federal agencies

This article is the first in a miniseries offering insights into an IVLP cybersecurity project taking place in the fall of 2024. The goal is to share valuable information for European cybersecurity professionals.

About IVLP

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. State Department’s premier professional exchange initiative. It fosters collaboration by allowing foreign leaders to engage with American counterparts, supporting knowledge sharing and international partnerships. Since its inception, over 200,000 participants, including more than 500 heads of state, have taken part.

Cybersecurity Governance in the U.S.

The U.S. operates under a federal system where responsibilities are divided among federal, state, and local governments. Given the outdated Constitution regarding digital issues, cybersecurity is regulated through laws and executive orders. This has led to a distributed ecosystem where various agencies work independently yet cooperatively to address cyber threats.

Key Federal Agencies in Cyber Defense

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Oversees national cybersecurity efforts, ensuring coordination across different agencies and developing policies to mitigate cyber threats.
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Operates under DHS, acting as the central cybersecurity defense body, providing incident response, risk assessments, and resources for critical industries.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Manages responses to large-scale cyber incidents affecting public infrastructure, ensuring recovery and mitigation strategies.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Investigates cybercrime on both national and international levels, collaborating with law enforcement agencies worldwide.
• Secret Service: Specializes in financial cybercrime, working alongside other agencies to combat cyber-related threats targeting economic systems.
• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): Focuses on gathering intelligence related to cyber threats, providing strategic insights for national security and presidential decision-making.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, Department of Commerce): Develops cybersecurity frameworks and standards such as the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and Special Publications like 800-53 and 800-171, guiding both government and private sector security measures.

Summary

The U.S. cybersecurity landscape is complex but well-structured, with numerous federal agencies working together to combat threats. Lessons from the IVLP program highlight the importance of cooperation, robust regulatory frameworks, and international collaboration in strengthening global cybersecurity defenses. Stay tuned for the next articles in the series.

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