“Assessing the TSA’s Upgraded Cybersecurity Measures After Colonial Pipeline Attack”

The recent ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline in the US has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across the critical infrastructure sector. In response, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) organized a top-secret briefing with the CEOs of more than two dozen pipeline operators to discuss the threat and encourage collaboration with the government to improve cyber resiliency.

David Pekoske, administrator of the TSA, emphasized the importance of the public-private partnership in achieving this goal. Working alongside cybersecurity experts and government officials, the TSA has adapted its approach to cybersecurity to focus on building resiliency within the infrastructure sector. This means that if attacked, critical services can come back online quickly.

To achieve this goal, the TSA has shifted from a prescriptive to a performance-based model for cybersecurity measures. This approach ensures certain outcomes are achieved, such as creating a cybersecurity implementation plan, establishing regular cyber assessments, and creating a response plan.

Collaboration between the TSA and industry is critical to achieving cyber resiliency. Pekoske stressed the importance of listening to business concerns and understanding the specific needs of each company. He emphasized that success as an administrator comes from being available to CEOs and providing assistance when needed.

In conclusion, the recent cyber attack on the Colonial Pipeline serves as a wake-up call for critical infrastructure operators to enhance their cybersecurity measures. The TSA‘s focus on collaboration and performance-based cybersecurity measures has the potential to create a more resilient infrastructure sector that can withstand cyber attacks and quickly recover from any disruption.

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