Glossary > Privacy > Government Surveillance And Legislation > Surveillance Laws (e.g., Patriot Act, FISA)

CISA (Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act)

The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) is a U.S. federal law aimed at promoting the sharing of cybersecurity threat information between the government and private companies to enhance overall cybersecurity preparedness and response.

Example #1

For instance, under CISA, if a company detects a cyber threat targeting its network, it can voluntarily share technical information about the threat with government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security to help prevent similar attacks on other organizations.

Example #2

Similarly, government entities can also provide data on potential cyber threats to private companies to bolster their defenses and protect sensitive information.

Misuse

However, the misuse of CISA could occur if the collected data is not solely used for cybersecurity purposes and is instead used for unauthorized surveillance. This misuse is concerning as it can infringe on individual privacy rights and lead to unwarranted government intrusion into personal data.

Benefits

On the other hand, one of the benefits of CISA is the rapid dissemination of cybersecurity alerts and information sharing between public and private sectors, which can help prevent and mitigate cyber threats more effectively.

Conclusion

It's crucial to ensure that CISA is implemented and used in a manner that prioritizes cybersecurity protection without compromising individual privacy rights. Transparency and oversight are essential to prevent potential misuse of data collected under CISA.

Last Modified: 4/30/2024