US Cybersecurity Strategy Announcement... "North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, Major Threats"

The U.S. government has announced a new national cybersecurity strategy to prepare for cyber threats from China, North Korea, and others. The plan marks a departure from the previous approach of relying solely on private sector autonomy, considering measures such as strengthening regulations through new legislation.

On the 2nd (local time), the White House stated, "We are announcing a national cybersecurity strategy to create a safe cyber ecosystem for all Americans," adding, "The United States will reshape cyberspace as a tool to achieve economic security and prosperity."

The White House identified North Korea, along with China, Russia, and Iran, as "major cyber threats," claiming, "these governments, including other authoritarian states, are using advanced cyber capabilities to infringe upon U.S. national interests." It asserted that their actions in cyberspace threaten U.S. national security.

In particular, regarding China, it pointed out, "the most extensive, active, and persistent threats across all sectors of both the private and government domains." The White House stated, "Over the past decade, China has developed its cyber activities beyond intellectual property theft and has established itself as the greatest strategic competitor threatening U.S. national interests," identifying China as such. Furthermore, "China uses the internet as the core of a reconnaissance state and is spreading the vision of digital dictatorship beyond its borders," it criticized.

Regarding North Korea and Iran, it evaluated that "the sophistication and intent to conduct malicious activities in cyberspace are increasing," and "if these capabilities mature, they could significantly impact the interests of the U.S. and its allies," it assessed. The report also included criticism that North Korea is funding its nuclear development through cryptocurrency theft and ransomware attacks. The U.S. has previously expressed its determination to eradicate illegal cyber activities to block North Korea’s funding for illicit weapons development.

Accordingly, the White House plans to strengthen and expand minimum cybersecurity requirements in critical infrastructure sectors to respond to cyber hostile acts. The White House emphasized, "We will use all national capabilities to disrupt and dismantle adversaries so that malicious cyber actors cannot threaten U.S. national interests or public safety."

It also confirmed the intention to pursue new legislation if necessary to strengthen regulations in critical sectors. Additionally, through collaboration with the private sector, it will disrupt malicious cyber actors and enhance international cooperation to respond to ransomware attacks. The White House also mentioned reviewing the Department of Defense’s cyber strategy overhaul. In the private sector, it urged strengthening personal information security and promoting secure software development.