New federal unit coordinating cyber threat action planned

CyberScoop reports that the U.S. government is planning to establish a new coordination unit made up of several federal agencies to more effectively address cybersecurity threats as part of the Trump administration's National Cyber Strategy.

National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross said the "interagency cell," which will include agencies such as the Pentagon, FBI, Justice Department, and Department of State, would coordinate actions against cyber threats across different government branches. Cyber operations would not only involve offensive attacks but also include diplomatic efforts, law enforcement actions, and other government measures to respond to malicious actors, according to Cairncross. The administration will also launch pilot programs aimed at securing critical infrastructure in specific industries and states to help prioritize sectors based on cybersecurity maturity and improve protections for essential systems.

Other initiatives include a technology foundry, a cybersecurity academy, and an accelerator program to develop workforce skills and scale innovations quickly. A pilot for law enforcement information-sharing with state and local governments is also planned.