November 8, 2023 at 12:15PM
The DHS, CISA, and FEMA have launched a new campaign called Shields Ready to help critical infrastructure organizations enhance their security and resilience. It complements the existing campaign called Shields Up and covers cyberattacks, physical security threats, and natural disasters. The initiative aims to encourage organizations to strengthen resilience and prepare for potential disruptions by following recommended practices and utilizing resources provided by CISA.
During the meeting, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its agencies, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), announced the launch of a new campaign called Shields Ready. This campaign aims to enhance the security and resilience of critical infrastructure organizations.
Shields Ready is designed to complement an existing campaign called Shields Up, which provides recommendations and resources to help critical infrastructure organizations mitigate risks based on specific threat intelligence. Both campaigns address not only cyberattacks but also physical security threats like terrorism, targeted violence, hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes.
The objective of Shields Ready is to encourage organizations to strengthen their resilience and preparedness in the face of potential disruptions. The campaign promotes various recommended practices, such as identifying critical assets and systems, understanding their dependencies, assessing risks, developing strategic risk management plans, and regularly exercising and improving incident response and recovery plans.
As part of the cybersecurity aspect of Shields Ready, CISA is offering a range of resources. These include recently released guidance to assist emergency managers in planning for and responding to cyber incidents. Additionally, CISA is providing an evaluation service to assess operational resilience and cybersecurity practices, as well as support for conducting tabletop exercises.
CISA Director Jen Easterly emphasized the importance of preparing critical infrastructure entities, such as schools, hospitals, and water facilities, for potential disruptions. By taking proactive steps today, these entities, along with communities and individuals, can better recover from the impact of future threats.
In related news, here are some articles I found:
– “Federal Push for Secure-by-Design: What It Means for Developers”
– “CISA, HHS Release Cybersecurity Healthcare Toolkit”
– “CISA Now Flagging Vulnerabilities, Misconfigurations Exploited by Ransomware”
– “Government Shutdown Could Bench 80% of CISA Staff”