Law professionals need to keep their attention on a notable development emerging from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). A revised draft of its Secure Software Development Self-Attestation form has recently been released.
As reported on JD Supra, this updated form will, once finalized, trigger an obligation for vendors that provide software to the federal government. This obligation is to formally assert their compliance with certain clearly defined practices intended to enhance security around their software, any involved third-party components, and the overall development environment.
Its full implications, to be better clarified once the form is finalized, point to a palpable intensification of security standards for all entities involved in supplying software to the government. It is necessary for the businesses and law firms alike to keep abreast of these adjustments as they surface.
The team at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP , who have been keeping a close eye on these developments, have highlighted the importance of this draft form. Complete understanding of both the intended objectives and the potential impacts of the proposed changes will be essential for both contracted vendors and the legal professionals advising them.
Legal professionals should closely monitor this evolving situation to ensure their skillset remains relevant and they are able to provide sound advice to clients. Stakeholders are highly encouraged to read and understand the details of the revised form and consider it as a part of their service delivery model.
This is a clear indication of the escalating focus on cybersecurity in current times, underlining its criticality in federal operations. It’s an essential shift that needs due diligence from all parties involved and further reinforces that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, but one involving legal compliance too.