The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released a strategic plan for federal cyber security on Tuesday, a road map aimed to ensure the long-term reliability and trustworthiness of digital communications.
The plan, Trustworthy Cyberspace: Strategic Plan for the Federal Cybersecurity Research and Development Program, is in direct response to the near-term action plan of the Obama Administration’s Cyberspace Policy Review conducted early in the administration, Federal Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra and White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard Schmidt wrote on the White House blog.
“Given the magnitude and pervasiveness of cyberspace threats to our economy and national security, it is imperative that we fundamentally alter the dynamics in cybersecurity through the development of novel solutions and technologies,” Chopra and Schmidt wrote. “The Federal government is in a unique position to leverage its fundamental research resources to address the underlying causes of cybersecurity problems. Using this strategic plan as a road map, sustained efforts in these areas will result in a more secure and trustworthy cyberspace. We invite researchers and innovators in industry and academia to join us in this effort. Together, we can maximize the benefits of research and accelerate their transition into the marketplace.”
As a research and development strategy, this plan defines four strategic thrusts, according to Chopra and Schmidt:
- Inducing Change – using game-changing themes to understand the root causes of existing cybersecurity deficiencies with the goal of disrupting the status quo;
- Developing Scientific Foundations – minimizing future cybersecurity problems by developing the science of security;
- Maximizing Research Impact – catalyzing coordination, collaboration, and integration of research activities across Federal agencies for maximum effectiveness; and
- Accelerating Transition to Practice – expediting improvements in cyberspace from research findings through focused transition programs.
