Repository - Welcome To Alliance to Strengthen Cybersecurity

The Federal IT Asset Repository

Establishing, Maintaining, and Operating the Federal IT Asset Repository

The Alliance to Strengthen Cybersecurity is the only organization actively proposing and advocating for the creation of a governmentwide repository for IT assets. This repository would serve as a centralized inventory or clearinghouse of tested, certified, and authorized cybersecure assets (e.g., semiconductors, software utilities/systems, integrated hardware/software components). Federal departments, agencies, and contractors could use it to identify trusted components for IT projects, programs, and systems.

The primary goal of the repository is to strengthen IT supply chain security and resilience. It will help detect and deter attempts by hostile foreign governments, intelligence services, cybercriminals, and malicious actors to breach, disrupt, or exploit national and global digital infrastructure through embedded malware and technologies. These threats pose serious risks to federal, state, and local governments; companies; institutions; homeland security; public safety; and economies. A concerted effort to mitigate and eliminate these threats is the aim of the Alliance.

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Component Risk Level Repository

A secure Risk Level repository of assessed components will provide a searchable platform to share and update risk levels for the supply chain components. Components will include hardware and software elements from the computer chip level to assembled stand-alone units. A standardized risk level measure will be used to provide effective comparison results across similar components. The risk level of the assembled components will be constructed from its lower-level component risk levels.

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Vulnerability Scanners

Vulnerability scanners are essential for identifying and addressing security weaknesses in both hardware and software components. These tools scan systems (static, dynamic, real-time) for known vulnerabilities. This information is used to determine/update the cybersecurity risk level for using the component and potential planned remediations/updates.

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Penetration Testing

Penetration testing tools simulate cyber-attacks to evaluate the security posture of hardware and software components. These tools help identify vulnerabilities that may not be detected through scanning. This information is used to determine/update the cybersecurity risk level for using the component and potential planned remediations/updates.

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Software Composition Analysis (SCA)

SCA tools analyze software dependencies and identify any open-source components that may introduce vulnerabilities. Open-source components/libraries are not only used in custom software development but also in COTS products.

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Compliance and Regulatory Adherence

Maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements is essential for a thorough cybersecurity analysis. As mandatory regulations and standards evolve, these will be used to update the risk level of the affected components.

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Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response

Continuous monitoring of supply chain components is necessary to promptly detect and assess the risk associated with the incident and subsequently update the risk level for using the component. Linkages with various cyber-security reporting systems [e.g., CISA Vulnerability Information and Coordination Environment (VINCE), Information Assurance Vulnerability Alert (IAVA) reports, CERT Notes] are utilized to update the repository component risk levels

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Collaboration and Information Sharing

Collaboration with supply chain partners and sharing information about potential threats and vulnerabilities is crucial. Establishing trusted communication channels and joint security initiatives enhances the overall resilience of the supply chain. When component risk levels are updated, information will be sent to Alliance members (including the component supplier).

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Training and Awareness Programs

Investing in training and awareness programs for Alliance members’ supply chain partners fosters a security-conscious culture. Education on best practices and emerging threats empowers stakeholders to contribute to the cybersecurity efforts.

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