The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) introduced its inaugural international strategic plan, aiming to enhance global cooperation in mitigating cyber threats to critical infrastructure. The 2025-2026 International Strategic Plan, which builds on CISA’s first Strategic Plan released in August 2023, sets forth three primary goals to be achieved within the forthcoming two years. This plan underscores the necessity for swift information sharing and collective action to combat the increasingly complex and global nature of cyber threats. CISA’s approach reflects an acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of global cybersecurity and the collective effort required to secure critical infrastructures against evolving threats.
Reinforcing the Resilience of Foreign Infrastructures
The plan’s first goal emphasizes reinforcing the resilience of foreign infrastructures critical to the US. CISA plans to collaborate with international partners to identify vital systems, assess vulnerabilities, and formulate strategies to manage shared risks. By working closely with global allies, the agency aims to enhance communication in incident reporting and threat information sharing. This proactive stance is designed to influence global regulations in favor of enhanced cyber resilience, ensuring that critical infrastructures are better prepared to withstand and recover from cyberattacks.
Enhanced communication is a cornerstone of this goal. By fostering open lines of communication between CISA and its international counterparts, the agency hopes to create a more unified front against cyber threats. Incident reporting and threat intelligence sharing are critical components of this strategy, as timely information exchange can mitigate the impact of cyber incidents. Furthermore, CISA seeks to play a pivotal role in shaping global regulations that promote robust cybersecurity practices and resilience. This influence on global regulatory frameworks is seen as essential in fostering a worldwide environment conducive to shared cybersecurity objectives.
Fortifying Integrated Cyber Defense
The second goal focuses on fortifying integrated cyber defense by working with international entities to promote globally robust cybersecurity practices and standards. CISA intends to define and advance responsible state behavior in cyberspace, fostering a collaborative international community committed to cybersecurity. To achieve this, the agency plans to grow its network of trusted partners for cooperative cybersecurity initiatives. These partnerships will involve bilateral and multilateral engagements to share operational information, including vulnerability alerts and tactical procedures.
A significant aspect of this goal is supporting partners in developing capabilities to detect and respond to cyber threats effectively. By providing technical assistance and expertise, CISA aims to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of its international partners. This collaborative approach ensures that global cybersecurity practices are aligned, cohesive, and effective in countering cyber threats. The agency’s efforts to promote responsible behavior in cyberspace also include advocating for norms and standards that discourage malicious activities and support a stable and secure digital environment globally.
Unifying CISA’s Coordination of International Activities
CISA plans to streamline its international efforts, ensuring a cohesive and effective approach to global cybersecurity challenges. By prioritizing coordination and communication, the agency aims to optimize its support for international initiatives, maximize the impact of its international engagements, and ensure that its strategic objectives align with broader global cybersecurity efforts.
By adhering to this structured approach, CISA aims to strengthen both national and international defenses, creating a more secure and resilient cyber landscape. This unified effort underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing the complex and evolving nature of cyber threats, ensuring that critical infrastructures worldwide are better protected and more capable of recovering from cyber incidents.