The chemical distribution industry is well-versed in the importance of safeguarding against bad actors. Cybersecurity is essential to keeping operations safe, secure, and reliable. Our members meet this mission as leaders of our industry and are constantly evolving to remain hypervigilant in defense against new and emerging threats.
ACD members play a vital role in the American economy, delivering chemical products essential to manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, national defense, and countless other sectors. Because of the vital products our industry manufactures, imports, distributes, and stores, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recognizes the chemical industry as critical infrastructure. With that designation, our industry must lead with best practices that protect both our facilities and the communities in which it operates.
During this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we are highlighting the policies that have kept our industry prepared and the tools our industry needs to protect our future.
Strengthening Chemical Supply Chain Cybersecurity
ACD members have a long history of working alongside government partners to strengthen chemical facility security and emergency preparedness. Last month, our members joined federal, state, local, and industry partners for a tabletop exercise focused on strengthening chemical safety preparedness, collaboration, and emergency response. In this digital era, our industry is learning to continuously bolster its cybersecurity capabilities.
For nearly two decades, our industry relied on the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program to help keep chemical facilities safe. The program encouraged collaboration among chemical facilities, CISA, and local law enforcement to provide critical safeguards to prevent terrorists from accessing chemical products. Since its expiration in 2023, facilities have been left to manage evolving physical and cyber threats without these critical public-private sector partnerships.
ACD continues to advocate for commonsense cybersecurity policies that strengthen critical infrastructure security while recognizing the diverse operations and risk profiles of chemical distributors.
Earlier this year, ACD provided input on CISA's proposed regulations implementing the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA). In our testimony to CISA, we emphasized the need for targeted, streamlined cybersecurity incident reporting requirements that prioritize facilities with the greatest security risks.
ACD also urged CISA to avoid excessive reporting requirements that could overwhelm the agency and undermine its ability to respond effectively to cyber incidents, while emphasizing the importance of protecting sensitive facility information.
Securing America's Future
As we recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month, protecting America's critical infrastructure requires continued vigilance, strong public-private partnerships, and policies that keep pace with emerging threats.
Securing the next 250 years means protecting the infrastructure that makes American progress possible. ACD and its members remain committed to working with CISA and other government partners to advance practical cybersecurity safeguards, strengthen chemical facility security, and protect the communities and industries that depend on a safe and reliable chemical supply chain.
Why is cybersecurity important to the chemical distribution industry? Cybersecurity helps protect chemical facilities, sensitive operational information, and the supply chains that deliver essential products to American businesses and communities.
How is ACD working to strengthen cybersecurity in the chemical distribution industry? ACD shares Cyber Smart resources, advocates for practical federal cybersecurity policies, works with government partners, and supports industry collaboration to strengthen chemical facility security and emergency preparedness.
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