Anne Neuberger, the Deputy National Security Advisor, Cyber & Emerging Tech at National Security Council, The White House, resigned from her position on January 17, 2025. Her resignation sparked an interesting debate over the ongoing cybersecurity landscape in the US.
Neuberger’s departure comes at a time when cyber threats, particularly from China, have reached new levels of cybercrime. Under her guidance, the Biden administration made substantial strides in addressing these cyber threats. The primary concerns revolved around China-backed cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure, including power grids, communication systems, and other vital sectors.
Anne Neuberger Resigns from National Security Council
One of Neuberger’s major accomplishments was overseeing the launch of the US Cyber Trust Mark program. This initiative aimed to improve security standards for consumer products, helping consumers identify safer products in the marketplace. The program represented a key pillar of the administration’s cybersecurity strategy, which also included two pivotal executive orders on cybersecurity that set the groundwork for future policy development.
In line with Neuberger’s work, outgoing President Joe Biden issued an ambitious cybersecurity order on January 18, 2025, aimed at strengthening U.S. government cybersecurity. This executive order, which builds upon plans initiated after the 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, includes directives to enhance software and cloud security. These measures are part of the administration’s efforts to protect the country from ongoing cyber threats, particularly those emanating from adversaries like China and Russia.
Biden’s cybersecurity order emphasizes the need for software providers and cloud companies to implement secure development practices. Agencies like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will play crucial roles in enforcing these new standards. The executive order also directs the development of new policies for open-source software, requiring security assessments and patching procedures to protect federal systems.
The Impact of Chinese Threat Actors
Robert Huber, the Chief Security Officer and Head of Research at Tenable Public Sector, commented on the urgency of these measures. He referenced recent attacks, such as the Salt Typhoon and Treasury Department breaches, as stark reminders of the vulnerabilities in current cybersecurity systems.
Huber noted that these incidents had not only compromised public trust but also created opportunities for adversaries like China to disrupt critical services and national defense. He praised the Biden administration’s executive order for addressing long-overdue updates in the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure, especially in regard to third-party software supply chains.
As Neuberger departs, the Biden administration’s focus on cybersecurity continues to adapt to new changes. The president’s executive order is expected to have a large impact, particularly in ensuring that federal contractors adhere to better cybersecurity practices. The goal is to create a more secure digital environment for federal systems and communications, reducing the risk of future cyberattacks that could undermine national security.
The Biden administration’s final cybersecurity efforts also include measures to protect against threats from climate change. CISA officials, including Jen Easterly and David Mussington, have highlighted the importance of enhancing critical infrastructure resilience in light of environmental challenges. This broader approach reflects the growing recognition of cybersecurity as a cross-cutting issue that intersects with national defense, public health, and environmental concerns.
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