The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has unveiled its International Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2025–2026, outlining a comprehensive approach to bolster global critical infrastructure resilience and enhance international cybersecurity collaboration.
Strategic Intent and Mission
Recognizing the interconnected nature of today’s global infrastructure, CISA’s mission is to lead national efforts in understanding, managing, and reducing risks to both cyber and physical infrastructures. The International Strategic Plan emphasizes the necessity of international partnerships to mitigate complex, geographically dispersed threats. By sharing timely and accurate threat information and risk reduction strategies, CISA aims to create a more secure global cyber-physical environment.
Key Goals and Objectives
The plan delineates three primary goals, each supported by specific objectives:
1. Bolster the Resilience of Foreign Infrastructure on Which the U.S. Depends
– Objective 1.1: Identify and prioritize critical foreign infrastructure assets and systems integral to U.S. national security and economic stability.
– Objective 1.2: Collaborate with international partners to enhance the security and resilience of these critical infrastructures.
2. Strengthen Integrated Cyber Defense
– Objective 2.1: Enhance information sharing and operational collaboration with global partners to address shared cyber threats.
– Objective 2.2: Develop and implement joint exercises and training programs to improve collective cyber defense capabilities.
3. Unify Agency Coordination of International Activities
– Objective 3.1: Streamline and coordinate CISA’s international engagements to ensure cohesive and effective collaboration.
– Objective 3.2: Align international activities with U.S. national security, economic, and foreign policy priorities.
Strategic Approach
CISA’s approach aligns with several key national strategies, including the National Security Strategy, National Cybersecurity Strategy, and the U.S. International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy. By fostering and broadening international alliances, CISA aims to mature cyber defense efforts both domestically and internationally. The agency plans to assess and prioritize critical infrastructure dependencies, partnering with foreign entities to advance its homeland security mission.
Implementation and Collaboration
The plan underscores the importance of working closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State, and other interagency partners. This collaborative effort ensures that CISA’s international activities are conducted in accordance with U.S. national security, economic, and foreign policy priorities. By promoting unified action and working as “One CISA,” the agency aims to effectively conduct international activities that enhance global infrastructure security.