White House Responds to SolarWinds, Promising to “Build Back Better” with Changes

Anne Neuberger, the administration’s deputy national security advisor for cybersecurity and emerging technology, said in a White House press briefing that the SolarWinds breach compromised the networks of nine agencies and about 100 private-sector companies. She said it will take the Biden administration months to fully investigate, but this will result in agencies “building back better” through IT modernization efforts.

Technology companies affected by the SolarWinds breach offer products that, if compromised, could be used to launch additional intrusions, Neuberger warned, adding that the administration will need greater information sharing between the public and private sectors. The White House is planning “executive action” to address these cybersecurity gaps.

Sources:

• Federal Computer Week: Changes coming to federal cyber in wake of massive breach
• Federal News Network: Agencies ‘building back better’ after SolarWinds breach, top Biden cyber official says