What's Happening?
SecurityWeek's Cyber Insights 2026 report delves into the critical role of information sharing in cybersecurity. Experts emphasize that while information sharing is widespread, it is not always perfect. Dario Perfettibile from Kiteworks and Matthew Harmon
from Merlin Group highlight the defensive advantages of sharing cyber threat intelligence. The report references the 'Salt Typhoon' intrusion campaign as an example of successful public-private collaboration facilitated by the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015). However, the act's future is uncertain as it faces potential expiration, which could weaken information-sharing frameworks. Experts like Crystal Morin from Sysdig warn that without CISA 2015, legal departments might advise against sharing threat intelligence, reducing the flow of real-time insights.
Why It's Important?
The potential lapse of CISA 2015 poses significant risks to U.S. national security. The act provides legal protections that encourage voluntary sharing of threat intelligence, which is crucial for preemptive defense against cyber threats. Without these protections, organizations may become hesitant to share information, fearing legal repercussions. This could slow down the response to cyber threats, leaving industries vulnerable. The report underscores the need for modernizing information-sharing frameworks to include behavior-based analytics, which could enhance national cyber defense. The ongoing debate about reauthorizing CISA 2015 highlights the tension between maintaining robust cybersecurity measures and navigating legal and regulatory challenges.
What's Next?
If CISA 2015 is not reauthorized by January 30, 2026, the information-sharing framework it supports could be weakened. This may lead to a reduction in the sharing of high-fidelity, real-time threat intelligence. Industry groups are urging Congress to reauthorize the act to prevent a significant reduction in intelligence sharing. Meanwhile, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) faces challenges with reduced funding and increased responsibilities. The agency's ability to manage its expanded role, especially with the upcoming Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022, will be crucial in maintaining effective cybersecurity defenses.
Beyond the Headlines
The potential expiration of CISA 2015 raises broader concerns about the sustainability of current information-sharing practices. The report suggests that the cybersecurity community must address the quality of shared intelligence, as automation generates overwhelming volumes of data. There is a call for platforms that enable anonymized sharing and regulatory safe harbors to protect organizations that share information in good faith. The future of cybersecurity may depend on balancing the need for open information exchange with the protection of sensitive data, ensuring that shared intelligence remains actionable and relevant.
