In 2019, I was honored to be asked to participate in the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), a significant initiative established in the United States as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. 

About the Cyberspace Solarium Commission

The Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) was established in the United States as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. Its purpose was to develop a comprehensive strategy to defend the United States against cyber threats. The Commission was named in reference to President Eisenhower's Project Solarium, which was a strategic effort during the Cold War to assess and develop foreign policy options.

The Commission was co-chaired by Senator Angus King, Jr. (I-ME) and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI), reflecting a bipartisan and cross-branch collaboration. It included lawmakers and officials from various government agencies, with the aim of bringing together experts in government, private industry, and academia to rethink the nation's approach to cybersecurityCybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or attack. It involves a range of strategies and technologies designed to safeguard digital assets from cyber threats like hacking, viruses, and data breaches. Cybersecurity measures are essential to prevent sensitive information from being stolen or tampered with, and to ensure the smooth functioning of digital systems. This field is increasingly important in our connected world, where a lot of personal, financial, and business activities are conducted online. See More... See Less... .

The Commission's work focused on several key areas:

1. National Strategy and Policy Framework: Developing a strategic approach to defend and compete in cyberspace.
2. Public-Private Collaboration: Enhancing cooperation between the government and the private sector to improve cybersecurity.
3. Cybersecurity of National Critical Infrastructure: Ensuring the protection of infrastructure crucial to national security and the economy.
4. Deterrence and Defense in Cyberspace: Establishing measures to deter adversaries and defend against cyber threats.
5. International Cooperation: Working with international partners to tackle global cyber challenges.

Report Completed

The Commission released its report in 2020, which included a wide range of recommendations for both legislative and executive actions. These recommendations were aimed at reshaping the national strategy on cybersecurity, improving resilience against cyberattacks, and establishing a more assertive stance against cyber adversaries. 

The report's influence has been seen in various subsequent cybersecurity policies and legislative initiatives in the United States. Notably, twenty-six of the report's recommendations were incorporated into the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), marking it as one of the most comprehensive and forward-looking pieces of national cybersecurity legislation in the nation’s history.

Visit https://www.solarium.gov/ to download the executive summary or the full report.