The Register: US infrastructure could crumble under cyberattack, ex-NSA advisor warns

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/08/exnsc_official_not_sure_us/
Source: The Register
Title: US infrastructure could crumble under cyberattack, ex-NSA advisor warns

Feedly Summary: PLUS: Doxxers jailed; Botnets bounce back; CISA questioned over app-vetting program closure; And more
Infosec in Brief If a cyberattack hit critical infrastructure in the US, it would likely crumble, former deputy national security adviser and NSA cybersecurity director Anne Neuberger said last week.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text touches on various critical cybersecurity issues, particularly concerning attacks on critical infrastructure and the effectiveness of security measures like CISA’s app-vetting program. It highlights ongoing challenges in the cybersecurity landscape, particularly in relation to protecting essential services from cyber threats.

Detailed Description: The content presents key topics relevant to current cybersecurity discussions, focusing on both the threats posed to critical infrastructure and the responses to mitigate those threats. Below are the major points:

– **Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability:**
– Former National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger’s remarks indicate that current protective measures may not adequately safeguard critical infrastructure, emphasizing potential consequences of a successful cyberattack.

– **CISA and App-Vetting Program:**
– The closure of the CISA app-vetting program raises concerns about the government’s ability to vet applications for vulnerabilities. This could lead to undiscovered security weaknesses, increasing risks associated with third-party software.

– **Revival of Botnets:**
– The mention of botnets bouncing back reminds us that these malicious networks remain a persistent threat. Such botnets can be utilized in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks or other malicious activities.

– **Legal and Regulatory Implications:**
– The various incidents relating to cybersecurity, including the jailing of doxxers, underline the heightened focus on legal consequences stemming from cybermalicious activities, which relates to compliance and governance frameworks in cybersecurity.

– **Ongoing Threat Landscape:**
– Overall, the dynamics highlighted in the text pose significant implications for AI, cloud, and infrastructure security professionals who must remain vigilant against evolving threats to infrastructure and applications.

Overall, the text serves as a reminder that professionals in the security realm must continuously adapt to the changing landscape of cyber threats, reinforcing the importance of robust security practices, compliance, and proactive governance measures.