CISA Mandates Federal Agencies Remove Unsupported Edge Devices to Combat Cyber Threats

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a critical directive, BOD 26-02, mandating Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies to strengthen their asset lifecycle management for edge network devices. This proactive measure aims to significantly reduce technical debt and minimize the risk of network compromise by phasing out devices that no longer receive security updates from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Key Takeaways

• Federal agencies must remove unsupported edge devices within 12 to 18 months.

• State-sponsored threat actors increasingly target these vulnerable devices for network access.

• CISA will provide a list of end-of-support devices to aid agencies.

• The directive emphasizes proactive lifecycle management to enhance federal cybersecurity resilience.

The Growing Threat of Unsupported Edge Devices

Edge devices, encompassing a wide range of networking hardware and software like load balancers, firewalls, routers, switches, and IoT devices, are positioned at the network perimeter. This strategic location makes them prime targets for persistent cyber threat actors who exploit vulnerabilities in devices that no longer receive firmware or security patches. CISA highlighted that these unsupported devices are a preferred pathway for adversaries to gain initial access into target networks.

CISA's Binding Operational Directive 26-02

To address this escalating risk, CISA's Binding Operational Directive 26-02, "Mitigating Risk From End-of-Support Edge Devices," outlines specific actions and timelines for FCEB agencies:

• Immediate Action: Update any vendor-supported edge device running end-of-support software to a vendor-supported version, provided it doesn't disrupt critical functions.

• Within Three Months: Catalog all edge devices to identify those that are end-of-support and report this inventory to CISA.

• Within 12 Months: Decommission all edge devices that are currently end-of-support and listed by CISA, replacing them with vendor-supported alternatives.

• Within 18 Months: Remove all other identified end-of-support edge devices from agency networks and replace them.

• Within 24 Months: Establish a robust lifecycle management process for continuous discovery of all edge devices and maintain an up-to-date inventory of devices nearing or at end-of-support.

Strengthening Federal Network Resilience

CISA Acting Director Madhu Gottumukkala emphasized the serious risk posed by unsupported devices, stating, "Unsupported devices pose a serious risk to federal systems and should never remain on enterprise networks." The agency is developing an end-of-support edge device list to assist agencies in identifying and managing these assets. While the directive is binding for federal civilian agencies, CISA encourages all organizations, including state, local, and private sector entities, to adopt similar measures to bolster overall digital ecosystem security.

Compliance and Support

CISA will monitor agency compliance with the directive in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget. Although the directive carries legal weight, CISA does not impose fines but works with agencies to ensure adherence and provide necessary support. The agency also noted that while this directive focuses on edge devices, end-of-support devices should ideally not be present anywhere on federal networks.

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Sources

• CISA Orders Removal of Unsupported Edge Devices to Reduce Federal Network Risk, The Hacker News.

• CISA orders US federal agencies to replace unsupported edge devices, Help Net Security.

• CISA Orders Federal Agencies to Strengthen Edge Device Security Amid Rising Cyber Threats, Homeland Security Today.

• CISA orders feds to disconnect unsupported network edge devices, Cybersecurity Dive.

• CISA orders agencies to patch and replace end-of-life devices, citing active exploitation, Nextgov/FCW.