FDA’s Cybersecurity Plans
Cybersecurity among the top priorities of the FDA https://www.fda.gov within the Office of Digital Transformation (ODT), protects people and data in today’s environment of increased cybersecurity threats.
ODT will also identify, prioritize, and validate cybersecurity governance, standards, and solutions to support the secure adoption of emerging technologies across the agency. These activities will drive and inform FDA’s ongoing modernization efforts.
ODT includes the Office of Information Management and Technology (OMIT), the Office of Information Security (OIS), and the Office of Data, Analytics, and Research (ODAR). ODT published the report November 2022 titled “Our People Centered Approach to Driving Change at FDA” at https:///www.fda.gov/media/1632591/download
FDA recognizes the risks associated with operating a global information technology enterprise and as result, developed the Cybersecurity Modernization Action Plan (CMAP). FDA’s goal is to strengthen FDA’s ability to protect sensitive information, modernize cybersecurity capabilities, and improve situational awareness to decrease overall security risks to the agency.
Key CMAP objectives are to:
- Establish a comprehensive Zero Trust approach to facilitate new digital services and modernization efforts
- Promote software assurance best practices to include security measures at every stage of the development lifecycle
- Enhance interoperable and secure data exchange and collaboration across FDA and public health partners
- Leverage Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies to enhance cyber detection and response capabilities
- Integrate counterintelligence and insider risk principles with the Zero Trust model to enable an intelligence-driven approach
- Prioritize and invest in FDA’s cybersecurity workforce
CMAP will result in enhanced visibility and situational awareness, enhanced threat protections, and reduced latency and speed to the Cloud.
In addition, other FDA action plans includes developing:
- The Technology Modernization Action Plan in place to modernize FDA’s technical infrastructure and operations, enhance developing technologies, and increase communication and collaboration with external stakeholders
- The Data Modernization Action Plan to overhaul FDA;s approach to technology and data by developing consistent, repeatable data practices across FDA
Go to https://fda.gov/about-fda/office-commissiioner/office-digital-transformation for more information on the Office of Digital Transformation (ODT)