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ARTICLE · 26 MAY 2021

Executive Order Enhances Cybersecurity Requirements For Government Contractors

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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In response to increasing cybersecurity threats, including the SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline attacks, President Biden issued an Executive Order on May 12, 2021...

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Alan Friedman
Alan Friedman
Robin Wilcox
Robin Wilcox
Austin Manes
Austin Manes
K. Kaelin Brittin
K. Kaelin Brittin
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In response to increasing cybersecurity threats, including the SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline attacks, President Biden issued an Executive Order on May 12, 2021, that enhances cybersecurity requirements for federal contractors. The Executive Order applies to contractors that provide government-procured software and those that operate the "vital machinery that ensures our safety." Sections 2 and 4 of the Executive Order will have the greatest impact on contractors due to the new requirements discussed below.

Sharing Threat Information Between the Public and Private Sectors

Section 2 aims to remove barriers to sharing information about cyber threats between the public and private sectors. The Executive Order calls for revisions within 60 days to the contract requirements for government service providers. These new contract provisions must ensure that:

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