Cyber Order Is a Start, But Voluntary Info Sharing Is Heavier Lift

A new executive order from President Joe Biden meant to combat rising cybercrime could lead to private companies voluntarily sharing information with each other, attorneys and cybersecurity professionals say.

Although the order focuses on reporting requirements for government contractors, it could trickle down to business-to-business information sharing, said Paul Ferrillo, a privacy and cybersecurity partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in New York.

“It could compel companies to share information about hacks or vulnerabilities even if they’re not legally required to do so,” Ferrillo said. “The order will help reinforce the fact that the sharing of information helps the company, the ...