|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In fortifying cybersecurity to be more resilient, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has announced a two-year extension of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Task Force. This Task Force, chaired by CISA’s National Risk Management Centre (NRMC) in collaboration with the Information Technology (IT) and Communications Sector Coordinating Councils, constitutes a vital public-private partnership.
This initiative has brought together a diverse array of representatives from both public and private sector entities, entrusted with identifying challenges and formulating practical, actionable, and risk-based recommendations and solutions for managing risks inherent in the global ICT supply chain.
ICT supply chain management is a multifaceted endeavour crucial for the smooth operation of modern businesses and the security of critical infrastructure. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the complexities and risks associated with the ICT supply chain. To effectively manage these risks, collaboration among stakeholders is paramount.
Over the past two years, the Task Force’s working groups have invaluable products, resources, and tools aimed at mitigating risks within the ICT supply chain. Assistant Director of NRMC and ICT Task Force Co-Chair Mona Harrington emphasised the Task Force’s indispensable role in mitigating supply chain risks.
Renewing the charter ensures that the Task Force can continue to leverage its expertise in identifying solutions and mitigations for the significant ICT supply chain risks and threats facing the nation. The Task Force has addressed various challenging supply chain issues, producing products such as the Hardware Bill of Materials Framework and risk management guides tailored for small and medium-sized businesses.
One key aspect of this effort involves fostering greater transparency throughout the supply chain. This entails establishing clear lines of communication and information sharing among all stakeholders, from suppliers to end-users.
Previously, in 2023, the Task Force released three noteworthy products, including the Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMB) Resource Handbook, offering an overview of critical supply chain risk categories commonly faced by ICT SMBs. Additionally, the Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Resource Guide equips businesses with tools to develop actionable supply chain risk management plans.
The Hardware Bill of Materials (HBOM) Framework for Supply Chain Risk Management provides organisations with a foundational framework for constructing their own HBOM, incorporating a consistent naming methodology for component attributes and guidance on appropriate HBOM information based on its intended use.
John Miller, ITI Vice President of Policy and Senior Counsel and IT Sector Co-Chair of the Task Force highlighted the critical nature of solutions leveraging both public and private expertise. He underscored the recent establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Working Group aimed at identifying AI-related supply chain risks and mitigations.
Robert Mayer, Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity and Innovation at U.S. Telecom and Communications Sector Task Force Co-Chair, emphasised the increasing the frequency, aggression, and consequential nature of supply chain attacks on global ICT infrastructure. He praised the Task Force’s crucial support for stakeholders in mitigating such risks.
The Task Force’s renewal enables its working groups to continue developing valuable products such as the Software Assurance Buyers Guide and advancing the newly formed Artificial Intelligence (AI) working group. The AI working group endeavours to identify beneficial applications of AI in mitigating threats to ICT SCRM processes.
Additionally, the Task Force will host its inaugural ICT SCRM Task Force Conference, ensuring ongoing collaboration between government and industry members on public-private engagement efforts concerning supply chain issues.
Over the next two years ahead, until January 2026, the Task Force will focus on strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to broaden the applicability and utilisation of its products, tools, and resources. Given the interconnectedness of sectors and the scale of supply chain risks, private-public coordination remains essential for enhancing ICT supply chain resilience.
