The comprehensive two-year plan is intended for various federal agencies, owners and operators of critical infrastructure, as well as government and private sector stakeholders.
The plan, aligned with President Joe Biden’s National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience (NSM-22), highlights five critical areas of focus.
Foremost among these areas is the escalating threat of cyber attacks, sabotage, and other risks emanating from the communist regime in China.
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“Protecting infrastructure that is vital for the defense, support, and sustainability of military operations globally, or that could disrupt the delivery of crucial goods or services to the American populace, must be our foremost concern,” stated Mr. Mayorkas.
He added, “Enhancing our infrastructure’s security and resilience against threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will fortify it against other state and non-state actors.”
The plan also addresses “managing the changing risks and opportunities brought about by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies,” as well as “identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in the supply chain” and tackling the “increasing reliance of critical infrastructure on space systems and assets.”
The DHS release emphasizes a collaborative effort across society to “safeguard the critical infrastructure systems upon which Americans rely daily.”
“From financial institutions to power grids, from healthcare to our water systems, and more, the reliable operation of our critical infrastructure is crucial for national security, economic stability, and public well-being,” noted Mr. Mayorkas.
The statement indicated that the plan’s implementation will be overseen by the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Jen Easterly.
“Through collaborative efforts with our partners, CISA and the Department are striving for a more secure and resilient critical infrastructure to ensure the government’s functionality, the provision of essential services, and the protection of the American people,” stated Ms. Easterly.
According to the 2024 Homeland Security Threat Assessment, the likelihood of attacks on U.S. infrastructure by foreign and domestic adversaries remains high, posing increased risks for U.S. industries, especially with the evolving sophistication of tactics.
This could potentially impact various essential goods and services required by Americans, including food, electricity, and access to clean water.
