Biden’s CISA Was Largely a Failure: 2024 Cyber Review and 2025 Preview ” American Greatness”

As 2024 unfolded, it played out like a dystopian thriller centered on cybersecurity challenges, where the villains and heroes wore the same faces. Take for instance the breach at Change Healthcare, a key player in the United States’ healthcare landscape. This breach exposed the private data of millions, sowing fear about the possible black-market exchange of sensitive medical records.

What’s more, even established cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike found itself embroiled in its own cyber incident, reminiscent of a fire station catching fire, underscoring a stark reality — nobody is immune from such threats. The year was marked by a cascade of other cyber challenges: Iranian hackers harnessing IoT devices, relentless ransomware attacks, the proliferation of keyloggers and trojans, and persistent espionage campaigns allegedly by China and Russia.

The year’s cybersecurity setbacks were less a strategy and more of a game of Whac-A-Mole, where sophisticated state actors set the agenda, and American institutions scrambled to respond.

Amidst this tumult, the stage is set for Donald Trump to re-enter the White House. The big question remains: Can his administration secure a ‘cyber-safe’ America, a necessity so starkly highlighted by the events of 2024?

Cybersecurity in the Current Global Context

The ongoing global turbulence has made the field of cybersecurity a critical battlefield. The conflict in Ukraine rages, tensions are soaring in Israel, Iran is increasingly unpredictable, and the Islamic State is resurging in Syria. Layered onto this are issues at the U.S. southern border, combining into a maelstrom of worldwide instability.

Cyber warfare has become the equalizer in this chaotic environment. Armed not with billion-dollar weaponry but with keystrokes and algorithms, state-sponsored hackers can inflict damage on essential services like healthcare, power supplies, and even elections. Ignoring these cyber threats is akin to neglecting a smoldering fire while someone walks through the open door to pilfer.

CISA’s Draft Plan: An Insufficient Measure?

In one of its last acts, the outgoing Biden administration’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) introduced a draft for the National Cyber Incident Response Plan, a supposed blueprint for future cyber crises. However, with a leadership transition near, the plan feels like a hastily completed assignment turned in just as the bell rings.

The incoming administration inherits the opportunity to leverage this draft as a foundational resource. Yet, knowing Trump’s track record suggests an inclination toward reworking the plan into something uniquely his own, perhaps under a bold new branding initiative.

2025: Strategies for a Cyber-Robust America

As the nation prepares for 2025, what strategies should be prioritized to enhance cybersecurity?

  • Investment in Cyber Defense: Both private and public sectors must see increased investment in cyber defenses. The Change Healthcare incident and CrowdStrike’s difficulties point to private sector vulnerabilities. Engaging in more rigorous public-private collaborations is essential, with Uncle Sam stepping in with investments and regulatory frameworks.
  • Regulation of IoT Devices and AI: The threat posed by IoT devices manipulated by Iranian hackers is not an isolated issue but a growing concern. From personal gadgets to industrial tech, these devices represent potential attack vectors. Legislation enforcing stringent security standards for IoT, and potentially AI, must be elevated in priority.
  • International Cyber Norms: While China and Russia persist as digital adversaries, relying solely on sanctions and other punitive tactics isn’t enough. It’s vital for the U.S. to spearhead efforts towards setting global cyber governance norms. Enhanced diplomacy could act as a countermeasure to frequent attacks.
  • Revamping CISA: Although well-intentioned, CISA is often under-resourced and burdened. The agency requires significant restructuring, backed by robust funding, to become the formidable force it was envisioned to be.
  • Cybersecurity Education: With much of the population grappling with basic cybersecurity awareness, educational campaigns are critical. Simple breaches often start with lapses like unguarded clicks on phishing attempts. Cyber hygiene should be a widespread imperative, not limited solely to IT specialists.

As we advance into 2025, it’s evident that the stakes in cybersecurity are higher than ever. This is not merely about data protection; it encompasses the protection of lives, critical infrastructure, and the very pillars of democracy. Trump’s new administration has the possibility to shift from the reactive methodologies of the past to a future defined by proactive, strategic planning.

However, the pressing question lingers: Will this opportunity be harnessed, or will we find ourselves again addressing a ‘cyber apocalypse’ four years hence, precariously guarding data, dignity, and our digital futures?

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