Insights from the National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan Version 2

The recently released National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan (NCSIP) Version 2 serves as a framework for improving the United States' cybersecurity posture. Building on its predecessor, this revised version outlines 100 high-impact initiatives organized into five important pillars, each targeted at addressing the evolving cyber threats to national security, public safety, and economic prosperity.

The NCSIP Version 2 envisions safeguarding the digital ecosystem and guaranteeing that all Americans have access to a safe and secure online. The approach proposes two basic changes: shifting responsibility for cyberspace defense to more capable actors and realigning incentives to encourage long-term investments in cybersecurity and resilience. To achieve these shifts, the United States government and society as a whole must work together, with the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) leading the way and reporting progress to the President and Congress.

The implementation plan is divided into five pillars, each having strategic objectives and specific efforts. The first pillar focuses on protecting key infrastructure. It comprises measures aimed at establishing and harmonizing cybersecurity requirements across industries, expanding public-private partnership, integrating federal cybersecurity centers, updating federal incident response plans, and modernizing federal defenses. These initiatives guarantee that vital infrastructure sectors are safeguarded from cyber threats, regulatory frameworks are linked with international standards, and public-private partnerships are strengthened to accelerate the development and implementation of secure solutions.

The second pillar is to disrupt and dismantle threat actors. This includes strengthening federal agencies' capabilities to coordinate and execute disruption campaigns against cybercriminals and nation-state adversaries, improving coordination between private sector firms and government agencies, and expanding the speed and scope of intelligence exchange. The strategy also seeks to avoid the abuse of US-based infrastructure by proposing regulatory measures for Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) providers and combating ransomware threats through joint operations and international collaboration.

The third pillar aims to influence market dynamics to promote security and resilience. It includes attempts to hold data stewards accountable, push for the development of secure Internet of Things (IoT) devices, shift liability for insecure software products and services, and use federal grants to integrate security into essential infrastructure. This pillar emphasizes the necessity of protecting personal data, creating security standards for IoT devices, encouraging the adoption of software bills of materials (SBOMs), and emphasizing cybersecurity research and development.

Investing in a resilient future is the fourth pillar of the approach. This includes safeguarding the Internet's technical foundation, revitalizing federal cybersecurity research and development, preparing for a post-quantum future, securing clean energy initiatives, and building a national cyber workforce strategy. These programs seek to promote best practices for network security, encourage the adoption of secure technology, transition to post-quantum cryptographic methods, and ensure that the digital infrastructure can support the United States government's decarbonization efforts.

The fifth and final pillar focuses on building international alliances to achieve common aims. This includes forming coalitions to counter threats to the digital ecosystem, strengthening international partners' cyber capabilities, expanding the United States' ability to assist allies and partners, reinforcing global norms of responsible state behavior, and securing global supply chains for critical technologies. Through these initiatives, the strategy hopes to improve global cybersecurity collaboration and resilience.

Fed Contract Pros may assist federal contractors seeking to align with and support the NCSIP.

We provide one-on-one coaching and support on navigating the complicated environment of federal cybersecurity standards, assisting contractors in understanding and implementing the specific goals described in the strategic plan.

Federal Contract Pros can help contractors find applicable regulatory frameworks, ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards, and develop public-private collaborations.