Source URL: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2025/02/04/cisa-partners-asds-acsc-cccs-ncsc-uk-and-other-international-and-us-organizations-release-guidance
Source: Alerts
Title: CISA Partners with ASD’s ACSC, CCCS, NCSC-UK, and Other International and US Organizations to Release Guidance on Edge Devices
Feedly Summary: CISA—in partnership with international and U.S. organizations—released guidance to help organizations protect their network edge devices and appliances, such as firewalls, routers, virtual private networks (VPN) gateways, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, internet-facing servers, and internet-facing operational technology (OT) systems. The published guidance is as follows:
“Security Considerations for Edge Devices,” led by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), a part of the Communications Security Establishment Canada.
“Digital Forensics Monitoring Specifications for Products of Network Devices and Applications,” led by the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-UK).
“Mitigation Strategies for Edge Devices: Executive Guidance” and “Mitigation Strategies for Edge Devices: Practitioner Guidance,” two separate guides led by the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC).
Foreign adversaries routinely exploit software vulnerabilities in network edge devices to infiltrate critical infrastructure networks and systems. The damage can be expensive, time-consuming, and reputationally catastrophic for public and private sector organizations. These guidance documents detail various considerations and strategies for a more secure and resilient network both before and after a compromise.
CISA and partner agencies urge device manufacturers and critical infrastructure owners and operators to review and implement the recommended actions and mitigations in the publications. Device manufacturers, please visit CISA’s Secure by Design page for more information on how to align development processes with the goal of reducing the prevalence of vulnerabilities in devices. Critical infrastructure owners and operators, please see Secure by Demand: Priority Considerations for Operational Technology Owners and Operators when Selecting Digital Products for guidance on procuring secure products.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The provided text outlines recent guidance from CISA and various international partners aimed at enhancing the security of network edge devices and appliances. This initiative responds to the rising threats posed by foreign adversaries who exploit software vulnerabilities in these technologies, affecting critical infrastructure. The guidance includes various strategies and considerations to bolster device security and resilience.
Detailed Description:
The text discusses vital security guidance issued by CISA in collaboration with international entities to tackle security vulnerabilities in network edge devices and appliances. The significance of this guidance lies in its focus on protecting critical infrastructure, which is increasingly targeted by foreign adversaries exploiting software vulnerabilities.
Key highlights include:
– **Collaborative Effort**: CISA coordinated with organizations from Canada (CCCS), the UK (NCSC-UK), and Australia (ASD’s ACSC) to produce a comprehensive set of guidance documents.
– **Focus on Edge Devices**: The guidance targets a range of network edge devices, including:
– Firewalls
– Routers
– VPN gateways
– IoT devices
– Internet-facing servers
– Internet-facing operational technology (OT) systems
– **Recognition of Threats**: It acknowledges the prevalent risk posed by foreign adversaries exploiting vulnerabilities in network devices, which can lead to significant operational disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage.
– **Guidance Documents**:
– “Security Considerations for Edge Devices”
– “Digital Forensics Monitoring Specifications for Products of Network Devices and Applications”
– “Mitigation Strategies for Edge Devices: Executive Guidance”
– “Mitigation Strategies for Edge Devices: Practitioner Guidance”
– **Action Urged for Manufacturers and Operators**: The guidance calls upon both device manufacturers and operators of critical infrastructure to:
– Review and implement the recommended mitigations in the publications.
– Align development processes with security goals to decrease vulnerability prevalence in devices.
– Consult specific resources like CISA’s Secure by Design page and Secure by Demand: Priority Considerations for Operational Technology Owners when selecting secure digital products.
This guidance is crucial for security and compliance professionals as it emphasizes proactive measures for safeguarding infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, thereby reinforcing the resilience of vital public and private sector operations. By following these recommendations, organizations can enhance their defense mechanisms against potential exploit attempts, thereby securing their environments more effectively.