Short Takes – 10-20-23

ISA MLM-38A “Identifying Control System Cyber Incidents” has been issued. ScadaMag.Infracritical.com article. Pull quote: “Those people that can identify control system cyber incidents are not under the purview of the CISO. Cyber security requirements, technologies, monitoring, testing, and incident response planning are based on lessons learned from IP network cyber vulnerabilities and incidents. This ISA work product can help organizations meet their cyber incident reporting requirements. By identifying control system cyber incidents, OT, IT, and engineers could become more aware of risk and be better enabled to take appropriate prevention measures leading to a more holistic approach to cyber security.” And not one mention of sensors.

House cybersecurity subcommittee chairman says GOP speaker drama is impacting cyber legislation. CyberScoop.com article. Pull quote: “Speaking on the sidelines of a panel hosted by Punchbowl News, Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., told CyberScoop that “the lack of a speaker is going to keep us from doing legislation right now.” Once Republicans settle on a successor to Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., “the next step, which I think is the most important thing, is to make sure that CISA is protected in the appropriations process. We made sure they were properly funded in our House bill — just making sure that happens through committee.””

Kennedy cuts deal with Schumer on veterans’ gun rights amendment. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “Now, the Louisiana senator said he expects to get a vote on his proposal after he agreed to modify the language. As a result, Kennedy said he will let the long-delayed appropriations bill advance.”

Republican congressman says labor crunch biggest threat to US cybersecurity. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “The lawmaker also said that Congress could contribute to solving the workforce deficit by incentivizing [K-12] schools, through additional funds, to adjust the curriculum that offer cyber-related classes.”

Biden administration pleads for WMD office’s salvation. GovExec.com article. Pull quote: “CWMD officials have hosted or had conversations with members of the House Homeland Security Committee, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and appropriations committees in both chambers to try to move legislation that would keep the office open. Both homeland security panels have without much resistance approved bills [HR 3224 and S 1798] to do so, but neither has received a floor vote. With the House still without a speaker, it remains paralyzed in its capacity to pass any legislation.” Sen Paul opposes the reauthorization, just like he did for the CFATS program.