Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act
Summary
The "Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act" aims to bolster the security of US critical infrastructure against cyber threats, specifically those originating from state-sponsored actors of the People's Republic of China, including the group Volt Typhoon. The act mandates the creation of an interagency task force led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through CISA, in collaboration with the Attorney General, FBI Director, and Sector Risk Management Agencies. This task force is charged with detecting, analyzing, and responding to these cyber threats through aligned and mutually reinforcing actions.
The task force is required to submit regular reports to Congress, detailing assessments of sector-specific risks, resource needs, potential impacts of cyberattacks, and recommendations for improving threat detection and mitigation. These reports will include both classified and unclassified sections, with the latter being publicly accessible. The act also ensures information sharing and access to necessary data for the task force, while including exemptions from the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act to streamline operations.
Ultimately, the task force will terminate 60 days after the final briefing to Congress, marking the end of its formal mandate. The Act defines key terms such as "critical infrastructure", "cybersecurity threat", and "Volt Typhoon" to ensure clarity and consistency in its implementation.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to enhanced coordination among federal agencies in addressing cybersecurity threats targeting critical infrastructure. It will also result in increased awareness and understanding of the specific threats posed by Chinese state-sponsored cyber actors. The comprehensive reporting requirements will provide Congress and the public with valuable insights into the risks and vulnerabilities facing US infrastructure.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced protection of critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.
- Improved coordination and information sharing among government agencies.
- Increased awareness among critical infrastructure owners and operators about cybersecurity threats and available resources.
- Provision of actionable recommendations to mitigate cyber risks.
- Greater transparency through public access to unclassified summaries of task force reports.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies due to the creation of another task force.
- Risk of over-classification of information, limiting public awareness and oversight.
- Possible duplication of efforts if the task force does not effectively coordinate with existing cybersecurity initiatives.
- The act's focus on Chinese cyber actors may lead to overlooking threats from other sources.
- The sunset clause could limit the long-term effectiveness of the task force.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the US Constitution by promoting the common defense (Preamble) and providing for national security (Article I, Section 8). It falls within the powers granted to Congress to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the common defense. The establishment of an interagency task force and the requirement for reports to Congress are consistent with the legislative oversight function. The act does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).