The Future of CISA and Cybersecurity in the United States
The 2025 Cybersecurity Project comes with Navigating Misinformation, Federal Overlaps, and the Next Wave of Cyber Defense.
2025 will be a decisive year for cybersecurity in the United States and the free world. In an era where critical infrastructure—ranging from hospitals and financial institutions to energy grids and election systems—relies heavily on digital networks, cybersecurity is no longer an optional defense mechanism; it is an essential safeguard of national security.
Yet, over the last decade, the inadequacies of the nation’s cybersecurity posture have become increasingly apparent, posing risks that are untenable for both the country and the global economy. The sheer volume of cyberattacks and their related financial damage cannot be sustained much longer unless the United States radically transforms its approach to cybersecurity.
The Current State of Cybersecurity
At the federal government level, cybersecurity efforts remain fragmented. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) was established nearly seven years ago to centralize cybersecurity oversight. However, critics argue that it has yet to fully realize its potential. Debates persist about CISA’s evolving role—particularly its politicization under former President Donald Trump—and what it might look like in future administrations.
Created in 2018, CISA is tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and coordinating cybersecurity initiatives across federal, state, local, and private-sector entities. As new threats continue to emerge—from sophisticated ransomware syndicates to state-sponsored advanced persistent threats (APTs)—CISA’s responsibilities have expanded, shaping not just the agency’s trajectory but also the broader landscape of cybersecurity in America.
Interagency Challenges
Despite its central role, CISA often contends with competing priorities and overlapping jurisdictions within other federal agencies. Departments such as HHS, DOE, EPA, and TSA each maintain cybersecurity teams that establish or enforce industry standards, resulting in additional layers of compliance
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