The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced on Wednesday it has created an advisory council that will strengthen information sharing and broaden partnerships across government and industry to secure critical infrastructure.
The Alliance of National Councils for Homeland Operational Resilience – Critical Infrastructure (ANCHOR-CI) will facilitate open and candid discussion of sensitive information among participants, and expand meaningful, impactful engagement to a wider range of public-private critical infrastructure stakeholders to address threats in real time.
CISA and the Department of Homeland Security built the framework that incorporates the best practices and lessons learned from the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council, and CISA will manage councils established under ANCHOR-CI. The framework allows for the establishment of four types of councils – critical infrastructure sector councils, cross-sector councils, industry councils, and regional coordinating councils.
“This framework was developed to address the unique challenges our partners face, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met,” Nick Andersen, CISA acting director, said. “By establishing ANCHOR-CI, CISA is not only fulfilling its core statutory mission but also strengthening our collective ability to safeguard the vital services Americans rely on every day.”
ANCHOR-CI will operate for two years, but the secretary of homeland security can extend it.