For many years now, Cyber has been the subject of a gnashing of teeth in Washington, D.C. There have been endless calls for "immediate action", "better collaboration between industry and government", policy proclamations, legislative offerings, all driven by the existential threats to the US economy bound up in cyber threats. In short, a lot of smoke and not much fire. Not that the challenges are easy to tackle; cyber is incredibly complex, a series of moving targets with rapidly evolving threats and a history of mistrust between industry and their government counterparts. About as tough as it gets from a policy and implementation perspective.  A lot of moving parts in unchartered territory.

As recently as the Trump administration, cybersecurity just did not appear to be a serious priority.  With the Biden administration, there has been a marked change.  The legislative and policy wheels are still grinding slowly, but in fairness, there has been some modest progress this year.  Most significantly have been the actions coming out of the Executive Branch, including CISA in the Department of Homeland Security where industry engagement has been unprecedented.  Frankly, the Biden administration has brought in a team of “Pros” with deep government technical bonifies and extensive industry operating experience – a combination that allows them to walk in both worlds with a pragmatic stride and credibility.  And it’s making a difference…