Closing the Software Understanding Gap

critical infrastructure software understanding the gap

CISA along with other agencies released Closing the Software Understanding Gap, advising the U.S. government to take decisive and coordinated action due to the increasing threats and vulnerabilities in software systems that could have severe national security implications.

You might believe this article doesn’t pertain to your organization, but think again. Every business, regardless of size, relies on software. Whether it’s for managing HR, handling client relationships, accounting, or maintaining IT infrastructure, all software is susceptible to exploitation and compromise. While this report emphasizes the risks to critical infrastructure, which can cause immense harm to our nation, it’s important to remember that a compromise to your software and systems can also be devastating to your business.

On January 16, 2025 CISA—in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E), and the National Security Agency (NSA)—published Closing the Software Understanding Gap. This report urgently implores the U.S. government to take decisive and coordinated action.

 Software understanding refers to assessing software-controlled systems across all conditions. Mission owners and operators often lack adequate capabilities for software understanding because technology manufacturers build software that greatly outstrips the ability to understand it. This gap, along with the lack of secure by design software being created by technology manufacturers, can lead to the exploitation of software vulnerabilities.

 The U.S. government has engaged in activities that have paved the way toward improving software understanding, including research investments, mission agency initiatives, and policy actions. This report further explores the opportunity for enhanced coordination to strengthen technical foundations and progress towards a more vigorous understanding of software on a national scale. To learn more about development practices and principles that build cybersecurity into the design and manufacture of technology products, visit CISA’s Secure by Design webpage.

How will you know if your software or IT environment has been compromised? Unfortunately, many organizations don’t realize it until significant damage has already been done. Cyberattacks can be stealthy and sophisticated, often bypassing traditional security measures. By the time unusual activity is detected, sensitive data may have been stolen, systems corrupted, or operations disrupted. This delay in detection can lead to severe financial losses, reputational damage, and operational downtime. Contact Spry Squared for a cybersecurity check-up

Unsure of the condition of your IT environment? Contact Spry Squared for a cybersecurity check-up!