As we navigate a world increasingly shaped by digital systems—impacting everything from power grids to financial markets—securing America’s technological infrastructure is more vital than ever. With new developments and emerging threats rising to prominence, this issue has become a top priority in national security discussions. In response, government agencies, private sector partners, and cybersecurity experts are coming together to tackle these challenges. Taking a proactive lead in this effort, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been at the forefront. In June 2024, Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas shared strategic guidance to enhance the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure.
This guidance identified key priority areas, including:
- Addressing cyber threats posed by the People’s Republic of China
- Managing risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Identifying and mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities
- Incorporating climate risks into sector resilience efforts
- Addressing the growing dependency of critical infrastructure on space systems and assets
These priorities reflect the complex and evolving threats facing U.S. tech infrastructure. As Jen Easterly, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), stated, “Through close collaboration with our partners, CISA and the Department are working towards safer and more secure critical infrastructure to ensure the functioning of government, the delivery of essential services, and the protection of the American people.”
The urgency of this mission is underscored by recent incidents and ongoing campaigns targeting U.S. infrastructure. For instance, the “Volt Typhoon” campaign, attributed to China, has pre-positioned cyber tools for potential attacks during periods of tension. This strategic positioning for future conflicts represents a significant shift like cyber threats, moving beyond simple disruption to long-term strategic objectives. The U.S. government has taken several concrete steps to respond to these evolving threats. In January 2025, President Trump announced the Stargate Project, a $500 billion AI infrastructure venture backed by leading technology and investment firms.
This unprecedented public-private partnership aims to secure U.S. technological dominance in AI processing capacity and mitigate reliance on foreign AI infrastructure. Additionally, the Biden administration issued an Executive Order in January 2025 to strengthen and promote innovation in the nation’s cybersecurity. This order includes measures to improve the security of federal systems, advance the use of modern phishing-resistant authentication technologies, and require end-to-end encryption for federal communications.
The private sector also plays a crucial role in this effort. As Antonio Sanchez, Principal Cybersecurity Evangelist at Fortra, explains, “Successful attacks on critical infrastructure affect the way of life for that region.” This recognition has led to increased collaboration between government agencies and private companies to enhance cybersecurity measures and resilience. However, challenges remain. Integrating Operational Technology (OT) with Information Technology (IT) has created new attack surfaces for malicious actors. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires a comprehensive approach that includes network segmentation, regular security testing, and ongoing education and training for personnel. Looking ahead, several trends are shaping the future of U.S. tech infrastructure security:
- Quantum-resistant infrastructure protocols are emerging to protect against potential quantum computing-based attacks.
- AI-driven defenses are being developed to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
- There’s a growing focus on securing space-based systems and supporting digital infrastructure.
- Adopting post-quantum cryptographic technologies is being accelerated to protect against future quantum computing threats.
As James Scott, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology, aptly stated, “There’s no silver bullet solution with cyber security; a layered defense is the only viable defense.” This multi-faceted approach to securing U.S. tech infrastructure reflects the complex and dynamic nature of the challenge. Securing America’s technological infrastructure is a critical and ongoing mission that requires collaboration across government, industry, and academia. As cyber threats continue to evolve and geopolitical tensions persist, the importance of this effort cannot be overstated. The steps taken today to fortify the nation’s digital backbone will play a crucial role in ensuring America’s security, prosperity, and technological leadership in the years to come.
