CISA Enhances Collaboration with Critical Infrastructure Operators

Nick Andersen, acting director of CISA, announced a shift towards operationalizing partnerships with critical infrastructure operators during the McCrary Cyber Summit on March 17, 2026. CISA aims to improve resilience by moving from broad discussions to specific operational engagements. Andersen emphasized the need for direct communication between government and operators to develop realistic action plans. He noted that relationships with critical infrastructure sectors have matured, allowing for better alignment of priorities. The agency will also reconsider traditional sector lead designations to ensure the best-suited agency engages with each sector. This approach aims to avoid confusion and enhance the effectiveness of responses to cyber incidents. Andersen referenced past coordination issues, specifically mentioning the “Guam situation” involving attacks attributed to state-sponsored groups. The focus will be on who has the best relationship with operators rather than strict adherence to agency roles.

Key Points: • CISA is shifting from broad partnership discussions to operational collaboration. • Direct communication with critical infrastructure operators is essential for effective action plans. • CISA will reconsider traditional agency lead roles to enhance engagement and response.