The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) earlier this week abruptly terminated the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC), a decision that has sparked concerns across the cybersecurity community. CIPAC, a key advisory body, played a crucial role in facilitating secure exchanges of threat intelligence between private companies and federal agencies. Its dissolution raises pressing questions about the future of public-private collaboration in protecting critical infrastructure.
What Was CIPAC’s Role?
CIPAC served as a bridge between federal agencies and private industry, enabling secure communication on cybersecurity threats affecting critical sectors such as energy, finance, and telecommunications. The council provided a forum for sharing classified threat intelligence, best practices, and coordinated responses to cyberattacks.
Why Did DHS Disband CIPAC?
DHS claims that the termination of CIPAC is part of an effort to streamline operations and reduce redundancy in cybersecurity initiatives. However, industry experts worry that removing a structured and trusted mechanism for information-sharing will create gaps in national security efforts.
Industry Concerns Over the Move
DHS claims that the termination of CIPAC is part of an effort to streamline operations and reduce redundancy in cybersecurity initiatives. However, industry experts worry that removing a structured and trusted mechanism for information-sharing will create gaps in national security efforts.
What’s Next?
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a division of DHS, has announced plans to develop a new model for public-private cybersecurity collaboration. However, details remain unclear, and stakeholders are urging swift action to avoid disruptions in intelligence-sharing and coordinated defense measures.
With cyber threats evolving rapidly and the range of data increasing, the decision to dismantle CIPAC without an immediate replacement raises serious concerns. While DHS may have efficiency in mind, the cybersecurity industry must now navigate a period of uncertainty, potentially leaving critical infrastructure more vulnerable than before.
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Sources:
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/18/dhs-cisa-cyber-council-industry-trust
