The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has taken a monumental step forward with the launch of its first-ever International Strategic Plan for 2025-2026. This strategic plan is a key component of CISA’s overall efforts to enhance the security of critical infrastructure in the United States through international collaboration.
Building upon the foundation laid out in CISA’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan and in alignment with the National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience, the International Strategic Plan underscores the significance of global partnerships in safeguarding interconnected cyber and physical systems. This plan signifies a new direction for global security and resilience.
The International Strategic Plan outlines CISA’s structured approach to bolstering U.S. national security by engaging with international partners to secure vital networks, assets, and infrastructure that are essential for the nation’s economy, national security, and public safety. At a time when cyber and physical threats to infrastructure are evolving and growing in complexity, this plan provides a framework for a unified, global response.
CISA Director Jen Easterly emphasized the importance of the plan, noting that it will enable the agency to enhance coordination and strengthen partnerships around the world. By following this plan, CISA aims to improve coordination with partners and strengthen international relationships to reduce risks to the globally interconnected cyber and physical infrastructure that Americans rely on daily.
The International Strategic Plan sets forth three primary goals to guide CISA’s approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure:
1. Bolster the Resilience of Foreign Infrastructure on Which the U.S. Depends: This goal focuses on enhancing the resilience of international infrastructure that impacts U.S. systems, aiming to mitigate risks that could disrupt critical operations at home and strengthen the U.S. defense posture globally.
2. Strengthen Integrated Cyber Defense: Recognizing the interconnected nature of cyber threats today, CISA seeks to develop a more unified defense strategy by sharing expertise, resources, and best practices with international allies to address cybersecurity challenges collectively.
3. Unify Agency Coordination of International Activities: This internal goal aims to ensure that CISA operates as a cohesive unit in its international engagements, fostering greater coordination, reducing overlap, and enhancing the effectiveness of partnerships.
At its core, CISA’s mission is to lead efforts to reduce risks to cyber and physical infrastructure globally. The International Strategic Plan commits CISA to creating a more secure global environment that minimizes risks to critical dependencies. By establishing conditions for success in cooperation, competition, and conflict, CISA aims to solidify its role as a global leader in infrastructure protection.
Through this plan, CISA seeks to enhance both U.S. and global resilience by addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities abroad that could impact the United States directly. This focus on cross-border resilience is crucial in a world where disruptions in one country can have ripple effects on others.
The International Strategic Plan is designed to operate in alignment with key national directives and policies, such as the National Security Strategy, National Cybersecurity Strategy, and the U.S. International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy. By fostering partnerships, bolstering alliances, and enhancing cyber resilience globally, CISA aims to contribute to a safer and more secure digital landscape.
Looking ahead, the 2025-2026 International Strategic Plan reflects CISA’s proactive approach to adapting to the evolving challenges in cybersecurity and infrastructure protection. By leveraging partnerships, sharing resources, and enhancing global capabilities, CISA is positioning itself, and the nation, for a more resilient future in the face of ongoing digital transformation and interconnected threats.