Hello, my friends!
There’s been a bit of a kerfuffle across the pond in the good ol’ U.S.A., and I simply must share it with you. You see, the cybersecurity landscape has taken on a new tinge of urgency given recent updates in national policy and new actions to protect sensitive personal data.
I’m sure you’re all aware of the continual challenge we all face, trying to keep our personal data safe from prying eyes. Well, America has done something quite noteworthy to combat these threats and protect its citizens.
Do you remember that ‘International Emergency Economic Powers Act’? You know, the one with the almost forgettable acronym of IEEPA? They’ve been making strides and have whipped out another proverbial legislative feather. They’ve expanded the scope of a couple of previous emergency orders. Remember: they are the ‘Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain’ and ‘Protecting Americans’ Sensitive Data from Foreign Adversaries’. Bit of a mouthful, I know, but stay with me.
The need to do so arises from the persistent efforts of a few dodgy countries, those ‘countries of concern’ as the Yanks call them, trying to nab the sensitive personal data of our American cousins. This poses not only a considerable threat but quite an unusual one. And guess what? It’s not just personal privacy that’s being threatened, but national security.
Thing is, when these countries get hold of bulk sensitive personal data or U.S. Government-related data, they get a massive leg-up in their malicious activities. Just imagine – espionage, cyber operations, identifying strategic advantages over the United States – they can sow discord and disruption through a whole suite of unsavoury activities. More than a bit worrisome, don’t you think?
Now, to tackle this, they’ve given the Attorney General (in collaboration with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the heads of relevant agencies) the authority to nip these data transfers to the ‘countries of concern’ in the bud. They’re now able to inhibit the movement of Americans’ personal data on a large scale and implement safeguards to prevent any other cheeky activities that might give these countries access to sensitive data.
As if that wasn’t enough, further actions include allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security to propose, comment on, and publish security requirements that tackle the risk posed by restricted transactions – those identified as particularly dodgy by the Attorney General.
In my humble opinion, it seems like they’ve hit the nail on the head with this one. They’re ensuring they use all the powers, rules, and regulations in their arsenal to give these cyber threats a proper what for!
Oh, and that letter from President Biden I mentioned? I’ve attached a copy for those who enjoy digging into details as much as I do. Have a gander.
So, keep your chin up and remember even when we are dealing with issues as serious as this, we’re all in it together. Let’s put on a brave face, be smart and stay safe in the complex world of cybersecurity. As the saying goes, keep calm and carry on!
by Parker Bytes
