Understanding the Objectives of the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014
As technology continues to advance, there is an increasing need for cybersecurity regulations to protect sensitive information from malicious attacks. One of these regulations is the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 (CEA). This law aims to enhance cybersecurity research and development, improve information sharing between companies and the government, and promote best practices for cybersecurity.
Enhancing Cybersecurity Research and Development
The CEA provides funding for cybersecurity research and development, with the aim of improving the security of our nation’s information systems. This includes funding for research in areas such as secure software engineering, cyberattack attribution, and cybersecurity workforce development. The goal is to develop new technologies and techniques that can better protect against cyber threats.
Improving Government and Private Sector Collaboration
The CEA also aims to improve information sharing between the government and private sector companies. This is important because many companies, especially small and medium-sized businesses, may not have the resources to effectively protect themselves against cyber threats. By sharing information on threats and best practices, companies can better protect themselves and the overall cybersecurity of the nation can be improved.
Promoting Best Practices for Cybersecurity
In addition to funding research and improving information sharing, the CEA also promotes best practices for cybersecurity. This includes establishing a national cybersecurity awareness program and developing guidelines for strong passwords. The law also encourages federal agencies to adhere to a risk management framework and to regularly assess and update their cybersecurity practices.
Case Study: The Equifax data breach
The importance of cybersecurity regulations such as the CEA was highlighted in the 2017 Equifax data breach. This breach compromised the personal information of millions of individuals and resulted in a large settlement for Equifax. It also highlighted the need for stronger cybersecurity regulations and practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 is an important piece of legislation that aims to improve cybersecurity research and development, promote information sharing, and establish best practices for cybersecurity. By adhering to these objectives, we can better protect our nation’s sensitive information and prevent cyber attacks.
