June 4, 2024 at 10:53AM
NIST has faced a significant backlog in processing vulnerability reports, with only 26% being processed this year due to increasing workload and resource reductions. The agency has announced a plan to address the issue, including partnering with CISA and implementing process updates to enhance efficiency. Industry professionals express concerns and call for prioritizing NVD’s essential role in cybersecurity.
Based on the meeting notes, the key takeaways are:
1. NIST has outlined a plan to address the backlog in processing vulnerability reports, which includes working with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and updating technology and processes to handle the increasing number of vulnerabilities.
2. The backlog was caused by a combination of factors, including a lack of resources and a steady increase in vulnerabilities.
3. Efforts are being made to address the backlog, such as CISA’s Vulnrichment project and potential establishment of a nonprofit foundation through a public-private partnership to ensure appropriate resourcing for critical programs like the NVD.
4. Concerns have been raised about the long-term sustainability of these efforts and the need to prioritize vulnerability information as critical infrastructure.
These takeaways highlight the proactive steps being taken to address the backlog and the ongoing discussions surrounding the long-term sustainability of vulnerability management.