Critical Infrastructure Security , Cybercrime , Cybercrime as-a-service

Defending Against Major Nation-State Cyberattacks

The U.S. is on "borrowed time" for a major cyberattack that could potentially seriously disrupt critical infrastructure, but the nation can secure its systems and resources to avoid such cybersecurity disasters, says Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-California.

See Also: Cloud Security and Developers: Role of Zero Standing Privilege

Among his greatest fears is a "collapse" of America's "great innovation economy" due to security vulnerabilities, Swalwell says. "We are so connected … we are a victim of our own success," he says.

"We're extremely vulnerable, but there's an opportunity - we have time, the ingenuity and the resources to make sure our systems are protected."

In a video interview with Information Security Media Group at RSA Conference 2022, Swalwell also discusses:

• The state of cyber-readiness in the U.S.;
• Cyberthreats related to the Russia-Ukraine war and other nation-state threats;
• The impact of ransomware attacks on small and midsized businesses and the importance of a zero trust approach.

Swalwell in 2012 was elected to represent California's 15th Congressional District, which includes a large part of the East Bay. Now in his fourth term, Swalwell serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He chairs the Intelligence Modernization and Readiness Subcommittee, which oversees overall management of the Intelligence Community: the policies and programs focused on making sure that all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies have the workforce, infrastructure and services they need to succeed.