As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists, cybersecurity concerns remain in the spotlight. And with the rise in this tension, the U.S. and Ukraine have decided to double down on a joint effort to strengthen against such threats.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection (SSSCIP) of Ukraine have signed a “memorandum of cooperation,” as SC Media reports. By making this agreement, the countries are committing to adopt further collaborative cybersecurity efforts. “Cyber threats cross borders and oceans, and so we look forward to building on our existing relationship with SSSCIP to share information and collectively build global resilience against cyber threats,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly.
In a press release, the CISA explained that the memorandum expands on the existing relationship with Ukraine to focus on specific areas of information sharing. Tasks include exchanging best practices on handling cyber incidents and partnering for training and exercises. Another focal point is critical infrastructure, which has served as one of the most worrisome sectors when considering Russian cyberthreats. Mr. Oleksandr Potii, Deputy Chairman of SSSCIP, stated that “This memorandum of cooperation represents an enduring partnership and alignment in defending our shared values through increased real-time information sharing across agencies and critical sectors.”
The growing emphasis on critical infrastructure extends beyond just the Ukrainian case. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also promoting the importance of boosting cybersecurity. The agency announced that it will soon implement cybersecurity into the sanitation reviews it carries out on critical water facilities, according to Nextgov. This reflects a wider initiative to develop stronger sector-specific risk management mandates. In discussing the matter of cybersecurity around critical infrastructure, such as water, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Tech Anne Neuberger said, “Much as when we drive a car, the car comes with a seatbelt, it comes with airbags, it comes with standards for what speed you can drive on the road, and what happens if there’s a major accident. We need the same for cyber.”
Key Takeaways:
“US forges cybersecurity partnership with Ukraine” – SC Media
- The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine have signed a “memorandum of cooperation.”
- The countries have committed to adopt further collaborative cybersecurity efforts.
- “Cyber threats cross borders and oceans, and so we look forward to building on our existing relationship with SSSCIP to share information and collectively build global resilience against cyber threats,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly.
“United States and Ukraine Expand Cooperation on Cybersecurity” – CISA
https://www.cisa.gov/news/2022/07/27/united-states-and-ukraine-expand-cooperation-cybersecurity
- The CISA explained that the memorandum expands on the existing relationship with Ukraine to focus on specific areas of information sharing.
- Tasks include exchanging best practices on handling cyber incidents and partnering for training and exercises.
- Another focal point is critical infrastructure.
“White House Official: EPA to Issue Cybersecurity Rule for Water Facilities” – Mariam Baksh, Nextgov
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promoting the importance of boosting cybersecurity.
- The agency announced that it will soon implement cybersecurity into the sanitation reviews it carries out on critical water facilities.
- This reflects a wider initiative to develop stronger sector-specific risk management mandates.