Who is CISA?

Let’s talk CISA! CISA (https://www.cisa.gov/) is a fantastic organization offering great resources to help protect our nation more people should be aware of. CISA stands for Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Association. CISA is a government agency that protects the country’s critical systems — like power, water, and computer networks — from cyber and physical threats. It helps both government and private companies stay safe from hackers and other dangers. 

Due to recent layoffs in the sector and the potential of more coming (https://www.hstoday.us/nppd/cisa-potentially-facing-impending-workforce-reductions/), I think it is important, now more than ever to signal to our government officials this is a cause worth investing in. 

CISA has defined sixteen different sectors as part of critical infrastructure. These sectors include the food and agriculture sector, healthcare, information technology sector, and water and wastewater systems. These sectors are crucial to the well-being of citizens and keeping our nation running smoothly. Especially in a time where critical infrastructure is continuing to be targeted, they are an essential resource. Attackers have different types of motivations from financial to political, and there are very bad actors out there with the motivation to do our nation harm. A good example of this is continued attacks by China, Russia, and Iran on our water systems: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/26/americas-drinking-water-under-attack-china-russia-and-iran.html. 

While in the past, these kind of attacks were something largely off limits for attackers, they are becoming more and more commonplace. If you are an organization within one of these critical sectors, I urge you to take a look at the CISA resources including different publications on how to better secure our critical infrastructure, free security assessments, and more.

CISA is such a critical resource, and I think something still largely underutilized. I just wanted to be able to do my part to make sure people are aware of this amazing resource and to help make sure this is here to stay!