Congress Needs to Quickly Renew Cyber Threat Sharing Program Before Deadlin

Published Date : 7/11/2025 

As the September 30 deadline for the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015) looms, lawmakers face a critical decision that could reshape the U.S. cyber defense landscape. With bipartisan support and urgent warnings from industry leaders, the reauthorization of this key legislation remains a top priority to prevent a potential collapse in threat intelligence collaboration. 

The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015) has long been a cornerstone of U.S. cyber defense, enabling critical partnerships between federal agencies and private companies. As the September 30 expiration date approaches, Congress is under pressure to reauthorize the law, which many experts argue is vital to maintaining the nation’s resilience against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Without a renewed framework, the risk of fragmented information sharing and weakened defenses grows significantly. n nCISA 2015 was designed to break down barriers that previously hindered collaboration between the government and private sector. By allowing the exchange of cyber threat indicators and defensive measures, the law created a structured environment where companies could share information without fear of legal repercussions. This mutual trust has been instrumental in addressing threats ranging from nation-state attacks to ransomware campaigns. However, the looming expiration has sparked concerns about the future of this vital partnership. n nAccording to a recent GAO report, seven federal agencies have fully implemented CISA 2015’s mandates, including the removal of personally identifiable information (PII) from shared data. The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Automated Indicator Sharing (AIS) system has become a key tool for real-time threat detection, enabling seamless data flow between public and private networks. Despite these advancements, the law’s future remains uncertain as lawmakers debate its reauthorization. n nAnnie Fixler, director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, emphasized the urgency of the situation. She noted that consensus is forming around a straightforward reauthorization, which would preserve the law’s core protections. However, she warned that time is limited, as only 35 working days remain before the deadline. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015)?

A: CISA 2015 is a U.S. law designed to facilitate the sharing of cyber threat information between federal agencies and private companies. It aims to enhance national cybersecurity by creating a framework for real-time data exchange while protecting companies from legal liability when sharing threat indicators.

Q: Why is reauthorization of CISA 2015 important?

A: Reauthorization is critical to maintaining the trust and collaboration between the government and private sector. Without it, companies may hesitate to share threat data, leading to gaps in national defense and increased vulnerability to cyberattacks.

Q: What happens if CISA 2015 expires without reauthorization?

A: The expiration could result in reduced information sharing, weakened threat detection capabilities, and a higher risk of cyberattacks. Smaller organizations, in particular, would struggle to defend against threats without the law’s protections.

Q: What are the main challenges in reauthorizing CISA 2015?

A: Concerns about privacy, transparency, and oversight have led some lawmakers to propose revisions. However, many argue that a clean reauthorization is necessary to avoid disrupting existing cybersecurity frameworks.

Q: Who supports the reauthorization of CISA 2015?

A: Bipartisan support is strong, with industry leaders, federal agencies, and advocacy groups urging Congress to act. Over 20 industry associations have also called for swift reauthorization to prevent setbacks in national cybersecurity efforts. 

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