In an era of rapid technological advances and emerging global threats, the security and resilience of the United States’ critical infrastructure are more crucial than ever. This week, the White House announced the signing of a National Security Memorandum (NSM) to secure and enhance the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure.

The NSM marks a significant step forward in the nation’s commitment to safeguarding vital physical and virtual assets and systems facing increased adversarial threats and climate change hazards.

Highlights of the NSM 

The NSM establishes a strategic roadmap to enhance the nation’s economic, familial, and collective resilience to disasters by outlining specific objectives, roles, responsibilities, and activities for the federal government and its respective departments and agencies.

Key points from the NSM include:

  • Designating the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to lead efforts to secure critical infrastructure.
  • Mandating the submission of a biennial National Risk Management Plan by the Secretary of Homeland Security to the president, summarizing efforts to mitigate risks to critical infrastructure.
  • Tasking the U.S. Intelligence Community to support federal, state, and local partners and private sector organizations of critical infrastructure with shared intelligence.
  • Identifying the 16 critical infrastructure sectors and designating an associated Sector Risk Management Agency (SRMA) for each, emphasizing sector-specific risk management and coordination.
  • Establishing the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) as the acting National Coordinator for Security and Resilience to coordinate with SRMAs and other Federal departments and agencies.
  • Stressing the need for minimum security and resilience requirements in and across various sectors to highlight the limitations of voluntary risk management in the face of current threats.

Together, We Can Create a More Resilient Nation

The NSM’s initiatives demonstrate the U.S. government’s commitment to the prosperity and security of the nation by calling for unity and action between federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial entities, as well as private sector organizations.

Tidal Basin is committed to helping communities nationwide create more resilient infrastructure and improve their cybersecurity preparedness and response with a dedicated team of emergency management experts. Efforts to strengthen the nation’s infrastructural backbone and safeguard against evolving threats will always be ongoing. Continuous partnership is critical to stay prepared. Contact us today to begin creating a resilient future together.