Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Gains Momentum

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Critical infrastructure cybersecurity has been gaining momentum in the US, culminating in a new security directive, as cyber-attacks continue to target infrastructure companies. Following the recent ransomware attack on a major petroleum pipeline in the US, the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a Security Directive that will enable DHS to better identify, protect against, and respond to threats to critical companies in the pipeline sector. “The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving and we must adapt to address new and emerging threats,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.  The TSA Security Directive will require critical pipeline owners and operators to:

(i) report confirmed and potential cybersecurity incidents to the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA);

(ii) designate a Cybersecurity Coordinator, to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

(iii) review their current practices as well as to identify any gaps and related remediation measures to address cyber-related risks and report the results to TSA and CISA within 30 days.

TSA has worked closely with pipeline owners and operators as well as its partners across the federal government to enhance the physical security preparedness of U.S. hazardous liquid and natural gas pipeline systems. 

As the US lead agency for protecting critical infrastructure against cybersecurity threats, CISA provides cybersecurity resources to mitigate potential risks, including through a dedicated hub that disseminates information to organizations, communities, and individuals about how to better protect against ransomware attacks, according to securityprivacyandthelaw.com.