Extending the Lifespan of a Key Cyber Threat Info-Sharing Law

A bipartisan effort is underway to extend a law that has enabled public and private entities to collaborate more effectively against cyber threats, reports Cybersecurity Dive. Senators Gary Peters and Mike Rounds have introduced the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Extension Act, aiming to prolong the provisions of the 2015 Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA), which is set to expire in September. CISA was originally designed to encourage voluntary sharing of threat data between companies and the federal government.

The law provides legal protections to businesses that share indicators of cyber threats—such as malware signatures, vulnerabilities, or IP addresses—with the Department of Homeland Security. These protections include exemptions from antitrust laws and shields from liability under federal and state disclosure regulations. For many security teams, this framework has offered a clearer legal path to report threats without fear of legal consequences.

CISA has been a foundational element in responding to major cyber incidents. During the SolarWinds supply chain breach, information sharing between government agencies and the private sector proved vital. The law has also supported the formation and operations of Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs), which play a key role in coordinating responses across critical infrastructure sectors.

With cyber threats growing in scale and complexity, the need for trusted, streamlined communication channels across industries remains critical. The proposed extension is a recognition of the value that coordinated threat intelligence brings, particularly when organizations must act swiftly to mitigate risks that increasingly span across networks, sectors, and borders.