Cairncross: Industry crucial in shaping US cybersecurity strategy

The U.S. government was noted by National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross to require assistance from businesses in bolstering cybersecurity rules and information-sharing mechanisms under a new national cyber strategy, Cybersecurity Dive reports.

Cairncross, who spoke at an Information Technology Industry Council event, said companies understand their regulatory challenges and should point out "where there's friction" and how information is shared. He said the upcoming five-page national cybersecurity strategy will aim to streamline regulations so they are more effective and less focused on checklists. The plan will also address federal modernization, protection of critical infrastructure, workforce development, emerging technologies, and deterring foreign cyberattacks. He said U.S. cyber policy has been "very reactive," and the administration wants to find ways to reduce incentives for hacking.

Cairncross also discussed work on an artificial intelligence security framework and urged industry to support reauthorization of the 2015 Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act. He said the strategy will be released "sooner rather than later" to guide government efforts.