Executive Order 13636

Definition

Executive Order 13636 is a directive issued by President Obama on February 12, 2013, aimed at improving the cybersecurity of the United States' critical infrastructure. This order emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and mandates the development of a framework for enhancing cybersecurity practices across various sectors to protect against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Executive Order 13636 was part of a larger strategy to address growing concerns about cyber threats targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.
2. The order directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collaborate with private sector stakeholders to develop cybersecurity standards and best practices.
3. A key goal of Executive Order 13636 is to enhance information sharing between the government and private companies regarding potential cyber threats.
4. The order also encouraged the development of risk management frameworks that can be tailored to different industries based on their unique cybersecurity needs.
5. Following the issuance of Executive Order 13636, NIST released the Cybersecurity Framework in 2014, which provides a flexible approach for organizations to manage cybersecurity risks.

Review Questions

• How does Executive Order 13636 promote collaboration between government and private sector organizations in enhancing cybersecurity?
  • Executive Order 13636 emphasizes the need for public-private partnerships as a core strategy for improving cybersecurity across critical infrastructure. It directs government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security to work closely with private sector stakeholders to develop effective cybersecurity standards and best practices. This collaboration is essential because many critical infrastructure sectors are privately owned, making it crucial for the government to engage with these entities to share information and develop strategies that address common cyber threats.
• Discuss the significance of the Cybersecurity Framework developed under Executive Order 13636 in strengthening the nation's critical infrastructure.
  • The Cybersecurity Framework, developed by NIST as a direct response to Executive Order 13636, serves as a vital tool for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity practices. It provides a structured approach that outlines key elements such as risk assessment, incident response, and continuous monitoring. By offering flexibility, organizations can adapt the framework to fit their specific needs, ensuring that critical infrastructure is better protected against cyber threats while fostering a culture of proactive risk management across various sectors.
• Evaluate the impact of Executive Order 13636 on national cybersecurity policy and its implications for future legislation.
  • Executive Order 13636 has significantly shaped national cybersecurity policy by establishing a framework for cooperation between public and private sectors while highlighting the importance of protecting critical infrastructure. Its focus on information sharing and risk management has set a precedent for future legislation aimed at enhancing cybersecurity resilience. As cyber threats evolve, this order lays the groundwork for ongoing improvements in cybersecurity measures, encouraging further collaboration and potentially leading to more comprehensive policies that address emerging vulnerabilities in an increasingly interconnected world.

Related terms

Cybersecurity Framework: A set of guidelines and best practices developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk.

Critical Infrastructure: Assets, systems, and networks that are vital to the nation's security, economy, public health, and safety, which if disrupted could have significant consequences.

Public-Private Partnership: Collaborative agreements between government entities and private sector companies aimed at achieving mutual goals, particularly in areas like infrastructure security and emergency response.