2020 was a big year for cybersecurity news. Although we’re only just beginning 2021, this year already seems to be following suit. This week we are catching up with some of the latest headlines in cybersecurity.
Cyber Innovation Is a Must for 2021
To begin with, what are the lessons from the previous year already teaching us in this new one? James Rundle of The Wall Street Journal suggests that events such as the COVID-19 crisis and recent large-scale cyberattack on U.S. government agencies (remember our last blog post?) will cause cybersecurity startups to reimagine how they approach business and obtaining investors. The article relays that investors will likely be looking for companies that work on cybersecurity models such as “zero-trust” systems that go beyond what have become the typical methods as well as companies developing security products that deal with cloud networks. Additionally, cybersecurity startups may be looking at increased competition going forward as the market for investors has broadened since remote work has lifted the boundaries of location.
Next up, Axios reports on the potential cybersecurity impact of the Capitol breach lead by pro-Trump protesters. While there has been no evidence of any security system compromises, any stolen data or information gathered during the riot could pose potential risk. According to Axios, a letter was sent to House lawmakers’ offices notifying staff to make note of any missing material. Frank Cilluffo, Director of the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security at Auburn University, told the publication that although there is no knowledge of anything being taken or intent to cause a cybersecurity issue, these concerns are not necessarily off the table either. As the Axios article shares, such concerns are probably heightened due to the recent Russian hacking that targeted federal networks.
Biden Selects Neuberger to Fill Key Cyber Role
Lastly, Politico reports that President-elect Joe Biden has chosen Anne Neuberger to fill a new cybersecurity position on the National Security Council. Neuberger formerly served at the National Security Agency where she most recently worked as director of cybersecurity. In her new role, “Neuberger will be responsible for coordinating the federal government’s cybersecurity efforts,” according to Natasha Bertrand, the author of the article. Prioritized in that list will be dealing with the effects of the government hacking likely carried out by Russia. The article explains that this choice reflects a reinstated and clear investment in cybersecurity from the incoming Biden administration.
Key Takeaways:
“Cyber Startups Face Broader Funding Challenge in 2021” – James Rundle, WSJ Pro
https://www.wsj.com/articles/cyber-startups-face-broader-funding-challenge-in-2021-11609756200
- Both the pandemic and news of a recent large-scale cyberattack on government agencies is likely to change investing in cybersecurity startups.
- Cybersecurity companies will need to extend their work beyond more traditional methods and offer newer models such as “zero-trust.”
- Cybersecurity startups seeking funding may also experience greater competition as remote work throughout 2020 expanded the market outside of the usual geographic areas
“Cybersecurity fears loom behind Capitol breach” – Margaret Harding McGill, Axios
- The Capitol breach that occurred is causing some cybersecurity concerns.
- If any information was stolen during the riot, it could cause security risk.
- There has been no evidence that rioters had the intention of stealing information for such use, nor has there been any evidence of compromised data. However, lawmakers’ offices have been notified to check for any files, etc. that is missing.
“Biden taps intelligence veteran for new White House cybersecurity role” – Natasha Bertrand, Politico
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/06/biden-white-house-cybersecurity-neuberger-455508
- President-elect Joe Biden has chosen Anne Neuberger to fill a new cybersecurity position on the National Security Council.
- Neuberger formerly served at the National Security Agency where she mostly recently worked as director of cybersecurity.
- This decision demonstrates an investment in cybersecurity from the incoming Biden administration.