“This draft report responds to the May 11, 2017, Executive Order on Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure. That order called for “resilience against botnets and other automated, distributed threats,” directing the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security to “lead an open and transparent process to identify and promote action by appropriate stakeholders” with the goal of “dramatically reducing threats perpetrated by automated and distributed attacks (e.g., botnets).” The Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security worked jointly on this effort through three approaches–hosting a workshop, publishing a request for comment, and initiating an inquiry through the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC)–aimed at gathering a broad range of input from experts and stakeholders, including private industry, academia, and civil society. These activities contributed to the information gathering process for the agencies developing the recommendations in this draft report. The Departments are requesting comment, asking for further insight into the issues and goals raised by the report, as well as the proposed approach, current initiatives, and next steps. The draft will be finalized based on adjudication of received comments before submission to the President. The final report is due to the President on May 11, 2018.”

• Report to the President on Enhancing the Resilience of the Internet and Communications Ecosystem Against Botnets