New Cyber Chief Sean Cairncross Outlines U.S. Strategy to Bolster Cybersecurity
Sean Cairncross, the newly confirmed National Cyber Director, has outlined a strategy to bolster U.S. cybersecurity. He aims to shift risks from Americans to adversaries and enhance collaboration between the private sector and the federal government.
Cairncross, who took office last month, spoke on January 30, 2022. He highlighted major digital threats, including ransomware attacks, espionage, pre-positioning in critical infrastructure, and influence campaigns. He emphasized the need for strategic coherence and direction in addressing these threats.
He proposed renewing a 2015 law to facilitate threat intelligence sharing between the private and public sectors. This, he believes, will help shift the burden of risk to adversaries. Cairncross also called for closer collaboration between industry and the government. He suggested that industry should uphold security and privacy standards, while the government should streamline cyber regulations and compliance burdens.
Cairncross' strategy aims to reclaim American superiority in cyberspace, as committed by President Trump. By enhancing public-private collaboration and renewing key legislation, the U.S. hopes to better protect its interests and thwart digital threats.