Alerts: CISA and ONCD Release Playbook for Strengthening Cybersecurity in Federal Grant Programs for Critical Infrastructure

Source URL: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2024/12/17/cisa-and-oncd-release-playbook-strengthening-cybersecurity-federal-grant-programs-critical
Source: Alerts
Title: CISA and ONCD Release Playbook for Strengthening Cybersecurity in Federal Grant Programs for Critical Infrastructure

Feedly Summary: Today, CISA and the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) published Playbook for Strengthening Cybersecurity in Federal Grant Programs for Critical Infrastructure to assist grant-making agencies to incorporate cybersecurity into their grant programs and assist grant-recipients to build cyber resilience into their grant-funded infrastructure projects. 
This guide is for federal grant program managers, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and organizations such as state, local, tribal, and territorial governments who subaward grant program funds, and grant program recipients. The guide includes:

Recommended actions to incorporate cybersecurity into grant programs throughout the grant management lifecycle.
Model language for grant program managers and sub-awarding organizations to incorporate into Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) and Terms & Conditions. 
Templates for recipients to leverage when developing a Cyber Risk Assessment and Project Cybersecurity Plan.
Comprehensive list of cybersecurity resources available to support grant recipient project execution.

CISA encourages organizations to review and apply recommended actions to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure and enhance resilience.

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text discusses a published playbook by CISA and ONCD aimed at integrating cybersecurity into federal grant programs for critical infrastructure. This resource is tailored for various stakeholders in grant management, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance cyber resilience in funded projects.

Detailed Description: The published playbook focuses on strengthening cybersecurity measures in federal grant programs specifically for critical infrastructure. It aims to assist grant-making agencies and recipients in making informed decisions related to cybersecurity throughout the grant lifecycle. Key points in the playbook include:

* **Target Audience**: The playbook is designed for federal grant program managers, critical infrastructure owners and operators, as well as state, local, tribal, and territorial governments who handle grant funds.
* **Recommended Actions**:
– Incorporating cybersecurity into grant programs at various stages of the grant management lifecycle.
– Providing guidance on securing infrastructure related to grant-funded projects.
* **Model Language**:
– Suggested wording for grant program managers to include in Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) and associated Terms & Conditions, ensuring cybersecurity requirements are clear and enforced.
* **Templates for Cybersecurity Plans**:
– Tools and templates to help grant recipients develop a Cyber Risk Assessment and a Project Cybersecurity Plan that meet federal guidelines.
* **Resource List**:
– A detailed compilation of cybersecurity resources available to support the execution of projects funded through grant programs.

Overall, this initiative reinforces the ongoing importance of cybersecurity in federal funding and project execution, making it a critical resource for professionals involved in infrastructure security and compliance with federal regulations. Organizations are encouraged to leverage these guidelines to ensure enhanced cyber resilience.