FR 2024-31514

The recent notice from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), as published in the Federal Register, is an important document concerning the extension of the public comment period on the draft update of the National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP). This draft was initially introduced on December 16, 2024, and is now open for feedback until February 14, 2025. The extension aims to allow more time for the public to review the draft and submit comments, particularly considering the holiday season.

General Summary

The document serves as an official notice that CISA is extending the comment period for its proposed updates to the NCIRP. This plan is critical for establishing guidelines and strategies for responding to significant cyber incidents that might affect national security, public safety, or economic stability. The draft is designed to be inclusive and incorporates input from a diverse range of stakeholders, reflecting changes in the cyber threat landscape.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A few key issues arise from the notice:

• Lack of Specificity on Draft Content: The document does not provide details on the specific changes or additions being proposed in the draft update. This may hinder stakeholders’ ability to provide targeted and constructive feedback if they are unaware of what aspects CISA is specifically seeking input on.

• Accessibility and Comprehension Concerns: There is no assurance in the notice about efforts to ensure that non-federal stakeholders, including smaller organizations or less technologically adept communities, can access or understand the draft update. This could limit the inclusivity that CISA is striving for.

• Unexplained Legal References: The notice includes legal statutes references, such as 6 U.S.C. 652, 659, 660, and 665b, without context or explanation. This may be confusing for readers who do not have legal expertise, potentially limiting their understanding of the authority or implications of the proposed updates.

Impact on the Public

The draft NCIRP update could have several broad impacts on the public:

• Increased National Cybersecurity Awareness: By allowing an extended public comment period, the notice encourages broader public engagement and raises awareness about the national importance of robust cyber incident responses.

• Potential for Improved Cyber Response: If stakeholders successfully contribute meaningful feedback, the final plan could significantly enhance national capabilities in responding to cyber threats, ultimately benefiting public safety and national security.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific groups might experience distinct impacts:

• Cybersecurity Professionals and Organizations: These stakeholders have the opportunity to influence national policy and strategy, ensuring that the final NCIRP aligns with contemporary cyber threats and reflects practices that can be practically implemented.

• Non-Federal Stakeholders: If the issues of accessibility and understanding are not addressed, these groups might find themselves unable to fully participate in the commenting process, potentially missing a chance to affect policies that impact them directly, such as small businesses who might be most vulnerable to cyber incidents.

• Government and Policy Makers: The extension provides additional time to gather comprehensive feedback, ensuring that the NCIRP is well-rounded and considers a wide range of perspectives, potentially leading to more effective regulations and protections.

In summary, while the document outlines an extension of the comment period and calls for wider participation in crafting a crucial cybersecurity policy, attention must be paid to the clarity and accessibility of the draft update to achieve the broad stakeholder engagement it aims for.