The US Department of Defense has released a cybersecurity strategy targeting the defense industrial base (DIB) for fiscal years 2024-2027.

The strategy is designed to bolster cyber defenses among defense contractors and their smaller subcontractors against escalating threats.

Key elements include centralizing cybersecurity services funded by taxpayers, standardizing regulations for data protection and incident reporting, and offering cloud services to aid smaller subcontractors.

Expansion of the voluntary DIB Cybersecurity Program is planned to encourage greater company participation.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks highlighted the necessity of robust cybersecurity measures and partnership with DIB entities to combat the dynamic nature of cyber threats.

The Pentagon is testing a cloud-based workspace for small defense industry businesses, intending to scale the initiative.

The Defense Department's Cyber Crime Center aims to extend its cybersecurity support, currently serving 1,500 companies, to a larger fraction of the 200,000 firms contracting with the DOD.