January 26, 2024 at 09:38PM
The Network Resilience Coalition advocates for improving network security by addressing outdated and improperly configured hardware and software. The NRC comprises major industry players and aligns with government cybersecurity initiatives. It urges IT vendors to adhere to modernized cybersecurity standards and implement secure software development practices. Immediate action and adherence to NRC’s recommendations are emphasized.
From the meeting notes, it is clear that the Network Resilience Coalition (NRC) has issued recommendations aimed at improving network security infrastructure by addressing vulnerabilities created by outdated and improperly configured software and hardware. The NRC seeks to align network operators and IT vendors to enhance the cyber resilience of their products. The NRC’s whitepaper includes recommendations for secure software development, lifecycle management, and product development to improve software supply chain security.
The group is calling on IT vendors to heed government warnings regarding nation-state threat actors exploiting hardware and software vulnerabilities. These recommendations align with the Biden Administration’s Executive Order 14208 and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Security-by-Design and Default guidance.
The NRC is urging vendors to align with NIST’s Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) and support OpenEoX, an effort by OASIS to standardize how providers identify risk and communicate end-of-life details in a machine-readable format.
Furthermore, the meeting notes highlight the importance of transparency in software, secure build environments, and strengthened software development processes for improved security, as emphasized by industry leaders during the event.
Stakeholders are encouraged to start adopting the practices outlined in the whitepaper with urgency, as threat actors are actively seeking opportunities to exploit networks. It is suggested that adhering to the whitepaper’s recommendations will prepare vendors for future legal requirements.
While there are differing views on the level of detail and novelty of the whitepaper, industry leaders recognize the importance of building security into products from day one and aligning with NIST standards.
Overall, the meeting notes indicate a clear call-to-action for IT vendors to prioritize cybersecurity and align with established frameworks and guidelines to enhance the security of their products.