Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2018

US FederalCritical Infrastructure2018
ByDecipherU Editorial

The CISA Act established the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within DHS. This cybersecurity law promoted the former National Protection and Programs Directorate into a standalone agency responsible for protecting US critical infrastructure. CISA serves as the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience.

Quick Reference

EnactedNovember 16, 2018
Enforcement BodyCybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
PenaltiesCISA issues binding operational directives to federal agencies; no direct penalties on private sector
Applicable ToFederal agencies, critical infrastructure operators, state and local governments

Key Requirements

6 U.S.C. § 652(c)(1)

CISA must lead the national effort to protect and defend federal civilian IT networks

6 U.S.C. § 652(c)(4)

CISA must coordinate cybersecurity information sharing between government and private sector

6 U.S.C. § 652(c)(7)

CISA must issue binding operational directives to federal agencies for cybersecurity actions

How Does CISA Act Affect Cybersecurity Careers?

CISA is one of the largest cybersecurity employers in government. Threat intelligence analysts, incident responders, and vulnerability analysts can pursue careers directly at CISA. GRC professionals need to track CISA binding operational directives that affect their agencies.

How Does CISA Act Affect Cybersecurity Sales?

CISA maintains the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which drives urgency for patch management products. Vendors can participate in CISA's Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC). CISA endorsements or mentions can validate a vendor's credibility in government sales.

Cybersecurity Roles That Work With CISA Act

Related Cybersecurity Certifications

Related Cybersecurity Laws

Read the full text of CISA Act at the official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3359

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CISA Act in cybersecurity?

The CISA Act established the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within DHS. This cybersecurity law promoted the former National Protection and Programs Directorate into a standalone agency responsible for protecting US critical infrastructure. CISA serves as the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience.

How does CISA Act affect cybersecurity careers?

CISA is one of the largest cybersecurity employers in government. Threat intelligence analysts, incident responders, and vulnerability analysts can pursue careers directly at CISA. GRC professionals need to track CISA binding operational directives that affect their agencies.

What are the penalties for CISA Act non-compliance?

CISA issues binding operational directives to federal agencies; no direct penalties on private sector

Last verified: April 2026?Report an inaccuracy

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