…and we can prevent that. We can actually help them work through those steps. We know that high-profile incidents drive a lot of news, drive a lot of demands, but this is truly about being able to protect organizations and improve resilience within those organizations. So we’ve seen a huge success with our Pre-Ransomware Notification Initiative.

Natarajan continued to explain that the agency’s efforts in incident reporting and information sharing have been instrumental in helping organizations prevent themselves from becoming victims of cyberattacks. By sharing information and taking proactive measures, CISA has been able to protect numerous organizations from falling victim to cyber threats.

The deputy director also emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaborations in CISA’s efforts. He highlighted the agency’s collaborations with global government partners, security researchers, and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments as key factors in its success. Natarajan underscored the significance of building and maintaining trusted relationships on an individual level, which has allowed CISA to effectively mitigate risks and keep adversaries at bay.

In addition to its emphasis on partnerships, CISA has also focused on enhancing its engagements with stakeholders in the private and public sectors. Natarajan mentioned that CISA had nearly 6,700 engagements with government and private sector participants in 2023, showcasing the agency’s commitment to working closely with its stakeholders.

However, as CISA continues to grow and scale its operations, it has encountered some growing pains in meeting the increasing demand for its services. Natarajan acknowledged that demand always exceeds capacity, and the agency is focused on fine-tuning its services to meet the specific needs of different organizations. He emphasized the importance of providing the right tools and services to the right partners, taking into account the varying capabilities and requirements of different organizations.

Despite being a relatively young organization compared to other U.S. federal agencies, CISA has earned a great reputation with its partners through its nimbleness, flexibility, and proven value. Natarajan noted that CISA has been able to adapt to the needs of its partners and provide valuable information and support, which has resulted in a bidirectional relationship built on trust and collaboration.

The interview with Natarajan also delved into CISA’s efforts in incident reporting and information sharing. He highlighted the agency’s proactive stance in strengthening its information-sharing efforts and emphasized the importance of sharing information to help prevent organizations from becoming victims of cyber threats. Natarajan also pointed out the success of CISA’s Pre-Ransomware Notification Initiative, which has been instrumental in helping organizations take the right mitigation steps to protect themselves from impending ransomware attacks.

In conclusion, CISA has made significant strides in its five-year journey, leveraging partnerships, collaborations, and proactive measures to address evolving cyberthreats and safeguard organizations from potential cyberattacks. As the agency continues to grow and scale its operations, it remains committed to providing valuable support and resources to its stakeholders, further strengthening the cybersecurity landscape in the United States.

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