Shields Up Program
In 2018 the US Government created the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency with the goal of connecting the public and private sectors to each other and to resources, analyses, and tools to help build their own cyber, communications, and physical security and resilience. With the development of recent geopolitical events, CISA launched the Shields Up program to provide the latest cybersecurity updates and information as well as guidance for all organizations on measures to adopt to enhance cybersecurity.
The Shields Up program recommends that all organizations take the following actions:
- Reduce the likelihood of a damaging cyber intrusion through improvements in network security and authentication mechanisms
- Take steps to quickly detect a potential intrusion by deploying common tools and detection mechanisms such as antivirus and logging
- Ensure that the organization is prepared to respond if an intrusion occurs by having a crisis management and business continuity plan with designated roles and responsibilities
- Maximize the organization's resilience to a destructive cyber incident by employing backups of critical systems and testing restoration capabilities
Shields Up has also created in-depth technical guidance specifically aimed at actions that manufacturers can take to further secure their Industrial Control Systems and Operational Technology.
