In a decisive act to secure the digital battleground against ongoing threats, the White House announced the extension of a national emergency aimed at countering a surge in cyber malfeasance. Pronounced back in April 2015 through Executive Order 13694, the government signaled its intent to safeguard the nation from the "unusual and extraordinary threat" that foreign cyber actors pose to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic foundation. These hostile activities, that know no borders, are primarily launched from or directed by outside territories, the government notes.
Continuing this mandate, the President has deemed it necessary to prolong these protective measures past their April 1, 2024, expiration. In a public notice, the office articulated, "These significant malicious cyber-enabled activities continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States," necessitating the ongoing state of alert. Pushed to the forefront of national defense initiatives, cyberspace now demands as much vigilance as any physical front, according to the White House press release.
The original order was initially intensified by Executive Order 13757 issued on December 28, 2016, which introduced additional procedures to combat this digital scourge. According to the statement published on the White House website, this continuation comes as part of a yearly assessment mandated by the National Emergencies Act.
American citizens and businesses are encouraged to stay alert, keeping an eye on cyber threats as the government strengthens defenses online. With the extended national emergency, federal agencies are leading the charge in defense, working with private sector partners to reduce risks and improve our cyber resilience together.
