Biden’s administration has released its new cybersecurity budget request for $13 billion. This is a significant increase over last year’s $11.8 billion allocation.
The funds will be distributed between numerous departments and agencies, with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency receiving the largest sum at $3 billion. The breakdown of funds includes:
- $470 million for endpoint detection and response, known as the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program.
- $394 million for internal cybersecurity and analytical capabilities known as a Joint Collaborative Environment (JCE), which aims to centralize cybersecurity data and efforts over federal, state, and private sectors
- $41 million for critical infrastructure security coordination
- $116 million in support of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA). The money will be used to add new staff and infrastructure and implement needed technologies like a ticketing system, incident reporting web app, and improvements to its threat intelligence platform
The budget request also allocates a sizable amount to the Department of Health and Human Services to invest in two key initiatives:
- $800 million to support the implementation of new cybersecurity measures in “high-need, low-resource” hospitals
- $500 million incentive program for hospitals to invest in essential cybersecurity practices
- $141 million to improve existing infrastructure to better protect the privacy and security of sensitive health information
The Budget also requests a significant amount for the American workforce:
“To equip the workforce with cutting-edge technology, the Budget also provides over $800 million in information technology and cybersecurity, a 17-percent increase above 2023 levels. These resources include substantial funding for zero trust architecture implementation to strengthen cybersecurity…” the budget states.
Many other agencies, initiatives, and departments will receive funds as well, including the Treasury Department ($150 million), Energy Department ($450 million), Technology Modernization Fund ($200 million), Department of Homeland Security ($5 million), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) ($14 million), and the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy ($395 million).
This budget offers key insights into the administration’s priorities regarding cybercrime and how it can better protect its citizens and systems:
“To protect against foreign adversaries and safeguard Federal systems, the Budget bolsters cybersecurity by ensuring every agency is increasing the security of public services,” the budget reads.