The FCC is Creating a Security Council to Bolster US Defenses Against Cyberattacks

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced plans to establish a security council in a bid to bolster the country's defenses against cyberattacks. The move comes as the new chair of the agency, Brendan Carr, warns that foreign adversaries, particularly China, pose a persistent and constant threat to US networks, devices, and technology ecosystems.

"These bad actors are always exploring ways to breach our networks, devices, and technology ecosystem," Carr warned in an address. "It is more important than ever that the FCC remain vigilant and protect Americans and American companies from these threats." The FCC has faced criticism for its slow response to previous cyberattacks, including a high-profile hack on the US Treasury Department.

The new security council will have several key goals, including ensuring that the US "wins the strategic competition with China over critical technologies" such as artificial intelligence (AI), satellites, 5G networks, and quantum computing. It will also aim to mitigate US vulnerabilities to nation-state threat actors and cyber espionage, while reducing foreign supply chain dependence.

The council's focus on Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon is not surprising, given the group's history of targeting US infrastructure, including universities and telecoms networks. The Treasury Department was also hit by a major cyberattack attributed to Salt Typhoon in 2020.

However, the decision to create a security council at the FCC comes amid reports that the US government is pausing cyber-offensive operations against Russia. Despite this, cybersecurity agencies have confirmed that defense against all cyber threats, including those from Russia, will continue as normal.

The Need for a Unified Approach

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that a unified approach is needed to address the growing menace of cyberattacks. The FCC's security council is an important step towards this goal, bringing together experts from across the agency to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect American critical infrastructure.

A Growing Concern

Cybersecurity has become a major concern for governments and businesses around the world. According to recent reports, cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with threat actors using advanced tactics such as phishing and social engineering to gain access to sensitive information.

The Role of the FCC in Cybersecurity

The FCC plays a critical role in regulating communications infrastructure, including satellite systems, 5G networks, and emergency response systems. As such, it has a unique perspective on the threats facing US critical infrastructure.

A New Era of Cooperation

The creation of a security council at the FCC marks an important shift towards cooperation between different government agencies. By pooling resources and expertise, the US can develop a more effective response to cyber threats, one that is better equipped to address the evolving threat landscape.