Congress Tackles Critical Deadline: Extend Cyber Threat Sharing Law

Published Date : 7/11/2025 

As the September 30 deadline for the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015) looms, Congress is under pressure to reauthorize the critical legislation that enables real-time cyber threat information sharing between federal agencies and private entities. With bipartisan support growing, experts warn that inaction could jeopardize national cybersecurity efforts and disrupt vital data-sharing frameworks. 

The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015) has been a cornerstone of U.S. cybersecurity policy for over a decade, fostering collaboration between government agencies and private companies to combat evolving threats. As the law’s expiration date approaches on September 30, Congress faces a critical decision that could shape the nation’s ability to respond to cyberattacks. The framework, designed to break down legal barriers and encourage information exchange, has become essential in an era where cyber threats grow more sophisticated and frequent. However, the lack of reauthorization could undermine the progress made and leave critical infrastructure vulnerable. n nCISA 2015 was enacted in response to a surge in nation-state attacks and large-scale data breaches, aiming to create a trusted environment for sharing cyber threat indicators and defensive measures. By shielding private firms from liability when sharing data in good faith, the law has encouraged companies to act as proactive participants in national cybersecurity efforts. This collaboration has enabled federal agencies to map attack patterns and deploy mitigation strategies, while private entities gain access to real-time threat intelligence. Without the law’s protections, many companies may hesitate to share sensitive information, fearing legal exposure or reputational damage. n nRecent audits by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlight the effectiveness of CISA 2015. Seven lead federal agencies have fully implemented the law’s mandates, including the removal of personally identifiable information (PII) from shared data. The Department of Homeland Security’s Automated Indicator Sharing (AIS) system has become a key tool for structured, machine-speed information exchange. However, the process of identifying and removing PII remains a challenge for private entities, as emphasized in legal analyses by firms like Cadwalader. Despite these hurdles, the framework has proven vital in strengthening national cyber resilience. n nThe stakes are high as adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran continue to target U.S. infrastructure. Meanwhile, AI-powered phishing, deepfake-enabled attacks, and ransomware-as-a-service operations are becoming more accessible to malicious actors. Without CISA 2015, the U.S. risks creating blind spots in threat detection, as the law’s legal and operational backbone provides the foundation for coordinated defense. Industry leaders and federal agencies warn that a lapse could lead to a significant decline in private sector engagement, disrupting the fragile partnerships that have been built over the past decade. n nBipartisan support for reauthorization is strong, with the House Committee on Homeland Security recently holding hearings to assess the law’s performance and its expiration date. Witnesses from tech and financial sectors emphasized the value of threat sharing while suggesting areas for improvement. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and other officials have underscored the need to maintain the law’s protections, highlighting the critical role of private sector expertise in securing national infrastructure. Over 20 industry groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have also urged Congress to act swiftly, warning that failure to renew the law would jeopardize progress in cybersecurity. n nDespite this momentum, some lawmakers and civil liberties groups have raised concerns about transparency and data minimization. Proposals to revise the law could delay a clean reauthorization, but many argue that the priority should be to avoid a lapse. Cybersecurity experts have called for updates to reflect modern threats, such as expanding definitions of defensive measures or improving feedback mechanisms for private entities. However, the consensus remains that reauthorizing CISA 2015 is essential to maintaining the current framework. n nThe urgency is compounded by the approaching August recess and the 2026 election calendar. Cybersecurity alliances and data-sharing networks are delicate, and once disrupted, they may be difficult to rebuild. As the deadline nears, the question before Congress is not just about reauthorization but about demonstrating political will to protect the nation’s digital defenses. The expiration of CISA 2015 would represent a step backward in a landscape where cyber threats are increasingly global and persistent. n nFor smaller organizations, the law’s impact is even more pronounced. Regional hospitals, water utilities, and school systems rely heavily on shared alerts and federal coordination. Without CISA 2015, these entities may lack the resources to detect and respond to threats, leaving them vulnerable to ransomware attacks and other cyber incidents. The law’s protections and outreach mechanisms have become lifelines for these sectors, underscoring the need for continued support. n nIn the end, the reauthorization of CISA 2015 is not just a legal formality but a strategic imperative. As cyberattacks evolve in complexity and scale, the U.S. must maintain a unified defense ecosystem. The coming weeks will test Congress’s ability to act decisively, ensuring that the nation remains prepared to face the ever-mutating threats of the digital age. 

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 encourages collaboration by protecting businesses from liability when sharing threat indicators in good faith, aiming to strengthen national cybersecurity defenses.

Q: Why is reauthorizing CISA 2015 important?

A: Reauthorization is critical to maintaining the framework that enables real-time threat intelligence sharing. Without it, private sector participation in cybersecurity efforts could decline, leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable to attacks and undermining the progress made in combating cyber threats.

Q: What are the risks of not reauthorizing CISA 2015?

A: Failure to reauthorize the law could lead to reduced information sharing between the government and private entities, creating blind spots in threat detection. Smaller organizations, which rely heavily on federal coordination, may face heightened risks from ransomware and other cyberattacks.

Q: What challenges does CISA 2015 face?

A: While the law has been effective, challenges include the removal of personally identifiable information (PII) from shared data and concerns about transparency and data minimization. Some lawmakers and civil liberties groups advocate for revisions to address these issues.

Q: How has CISA 2015 impacted cybersecurity efforts?

A: CISA 2015 has fostered collaboration between federal agencies and private companies, enabling real-time threat sharing and improving the ability to map attack patterns. It has become foundational to national cyber resilience, with agencies like the Department of Homeland Security leveraging tools like the Automated Indicator Sharing system. 

More Related Topics :