The Need for a Joint Effort Between Government and the Private Sector
In recent years, an increasing number of sophisticated cyberattacks—including ransomware and nation-state attacks—have targeted businesses, government agencies, schools, hospitals, non-profits, and others.
The complex challenge of strengthening cybersecurity and deterring attacks requires a coordinated, multi-pronged response from governments and the private sector. No single company or government can stop attacks, but a coordinated effort, including implementing and aligning best practices, policies, and regulations globally and within our borders, can help stem the tide.
The Role of the Federal Government
Every federal agency has a role to play in securing our cyber ecosystem, whether through improving its own cybersecurity, driving increased cyber hygiene practices across organizations, or identifying and neutralizing cyber attackers.
Congress has a critical role to play as well—both in creating policies and investing in cybersecurity programs. Federal law has made significant investments in cybersecurity, including funding to help strengthen the cybersecurity of utilities and state and local governments.
Voices for Innovation will continue to monitor debates about cybersecurity legislation and highlight the best opportunities for our members to engage on this issue.
The Role of Tech and Microsoft Partners
The tech sector supports cybersecurity on several fronts, including by developing secure software and systems; monitoring and securely managing systems; and supporting the cybersecurity of customers. Cloud, enterprise, and platform technology companies, including Microsoft, have special responsibilities and capabilities, such as notifying customers of attacks, disrupting attacks and hostile infrastructure, and collaborating with government agencies.
Microsoft partners can support strengthened cybersecurity in several ways as well. In addition to following cybersecurity best practices, partners can advise their customers about the importance of maintaining cyber hygiene—and point them toward resources such as the “Actionable Insights” of Microsoft’s annual Digital Defense Report and Microsoft’s Digital Threat Analysis Center (DTAC) reports on nation-state cyber operations. Microsoft partners can also help mitigate the impact of attacks and help customers restore systems.
At appropriate moments during policy discussions, Voices for Innovation may also encourage partners to share their expertise and experience with policymakers. Partners have a unique perspective that can help policymakers better understand the threat landscape and impacts on small businesses.
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