In one of his final actions as president, Joe Biden has signed an executive order (EO) to enhance U.S. cybersecurity. This directive builds on prior efforts during his administration to address increasing cyber threats by improving federal IT security, holding software providers accountable, and modernizing security practices. Biden emphasized the urgency of these measures, citing the severe disruptions, financial losses, and risks to national security caused by malicious cyber activities.
The EO includes several key provisions aimed at strengthening federal defenses. It requires software providers working with the government to meet stringent reporting and security standards under the guidance of the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Federal agencies must adopt advanced practices, such as multifactor authentication, zero-trust frameworks, and robust endpoint protection, to enhance threat visibility and resilience. These measures are designed to fortify critical infrastructure and improve overall cybersecurity.

Innovation is another focus of the EO, which calls for accelerated research in artificial intelligence (AI) and post-quantum encryption technologies. The directive also introduces sanctions against those engaging in cyberattacks, including freezing assets within the U.S. Such steps aim to deter malicious activities while equipping the government with cutting-edge tools to address evolving threats effectively.
The cybersecurity community has responded positively to the EO. Gary Barlet, CTO of Illumio’s public sector division, praised its emphasis on secure software practices, advanced defensive tools, and AI integration, calling these measures essential for countering sophisticated cyber threats. However, he stressed that collaboration between government agencies and industry stakeholders will be critical for these initiatives to succeed in the long term.
As Biden prepares to leave office, the implementation of the EO will depend on the priorities of the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump. Trump’s cybersecurity strategy remains unclear, but reports suggest he may appoint seasoned expert Sean Plankey to lead CISA. Biden’s team hopes the EO’s bipartisan focus will encourage continuity, enabling the U.S. to build on this foundation and strengthen its cyber defenses further.