How much is the U.S. investing in cyber (and is it enough)?

Cyberattacks in the United States are on the rise and getting more sophisticated. These digital attacks affect businesses and everyday people, so many of us wonder what the government is doing to protect us from them. Let's break down what the U.S. government spends on cybersecurity and whether it's enough.

How much money does the U.S. spend on cybersecurity, and where does it go?

In June 2022, the U.S. government announced that it would allocate $15.6 billion for cybersecurity in the fiscal year 2023. The Department of Defense (DoD) will receive the lion's share, with $11.2 billion, while the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) gets $2.9 billion.

The DoD plans to use this money in various ways, like expanding its Cyber Mission Force teams, which focus on defending against cyber threats.

Is the private sector involved in how the money is spent?

While most of the budget goes to government agencies, the U.S. government also wants to work closely with private companies. Sharing information is crucial in the cybersecurity world, but in the past, the government has been criticised for not sharing enough in return. They're trying to change this by promoting two-way information sharing, but it remains to be seen how successful this approach will be. The first line of security starts with protecting your network with a VPN service.

Lawmakers have urged the defence secretary to collaborate more with CISA and private organisations, particularly concerning Russian and Chinese cyber activity. CISA has also received more funding than initially requested by the White House, indicating a growing commitment to cybersecurity. Also, read Cyber espionage: a big threat that needs vigilance.

How does current cybersecurity spending compare to previous years?

The good news is that cybersecurity investments are increasing gradually. In 2021, the U.S. spent $8.64 billion, and there was a slight increase in 2022. This upward trend suggests that the government is taking cybersecurity more seriously.

What about cybersecurity at the state and local levels?

States and local governments are also investing in cybersecurity. In 2021, over 285 pieces of cybersecurity-related legislation were introduced during state legislative sessions. This number grew to 300 in 2022.

Additionally, President Biden introduced the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, allocating $1 billion in grants to improve cybersecurity at the local, state, tribal, and territorial levels over four years until 2025. This is good news for local communities, as it provides resources to enhance their cybersecurity defences.

Looking ahead

There are promising developments on the horizon. The appointment of the USA's first National Cyber Director, Chris Inglis, is a positive step. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the U.S. government will need to adapt and invest in cyber defence to stay ahead of emerging threats. However, it's also crucial for individual organisations to take responsibility for their cybersecurity. Together, with a network guided by Hide Expert VPN, these efforts can help protect our digital world more effectively.