It’s Time to Close the Software Understanding Gap

Alright, listen up! It’s 2025, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), along with some heavy hitters like DARPA and the NSA, just dropped a bombshell. They’re sounding the alarm on a massive issue we can no longer ignore: the “software understanding gap.” If you think your organization is untouchable, think again—the risks are real, and they’re creeping up on us fast.

Yes I know it’s a US centric article but the issue is universal and so is the guidance.

Here’s the deal: we’re cranking out software at lightning speed, but our ability to actually understand what’s going on in those systems? Not even close. This gap is allowing vulnerabilities to fester while we blindly trust software that could be compromised. How does that feel? The bigger issue is that this isn’t just a tech problem—it’s a national security threat that can impact everyone from military operations to critical infrastructure.

Let’s be crystal clear: this isn’t just some techie nuisance. This is about **your** business, your community, and the nation. With adversaries like the People’s Republic of China investing hugely in their software understanding, they’re getting a leg up. They can exploit our vulnerabilities while we sit back, thinking everything’s fine. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

– **Critical Risks**: From transportation failures to emergency service disruptions, the gap is putting us all on shaky ground.

– **Wasted Dollars**: We’re talking over $2 trillion lost due to software defects! Yes, you read that right. Wouldn’t it be nice if that cash were being used to actually *secure* our systems instead?

Let’s talk competition. Russia, China—you name it. They’re mastering the software game, while too many of us are playing checkers. The PRC has policies demanding national security reviews of software, which gives them the inside track to manipulate our systems and exploit weaknesses. Do you really want to hand the upper hand to your competitors while your own organization flounders?

It’s high time the U.S. government and private industry pulled their heads out of the sand. Here’s how we can close this software understanding gap:

1. **Policy Changes**: We need serious rethinking of tech procurement policies that push for software understanding. If you’re not on board, you’re part of the problem.

2. **Break Down Barriers**: Those pesky legal obstacles that block mission owners from grasping software? Let’s smash them to pieces.

3. **Invest in Knowledge**: Companies like yours should be pumping money into research, engineering, and partnerships that bolster our understanding of software before it’s too late.

Imagine a future where you, the mission owner, can interrogate your software and get solid answers—fast. We can achieve that if we collectively tackle the software understanding gap. Think of the power that comes with being able to accurately assess risks before deploying systems.

The groundwork has already been laid with initiatives like CISA’s Secure by Design and various government investments. But you know what? It’s just a start. We need more urgency and engagement from leaders like you.

Your position in this revolution is crucial:

1. **Build Expertise**: Get experts who know their stuff and create structures that focus on software understanding.

2. **Revamp Your Policies**: Demand your organization revolutionize acquisition policies to foster a grasp of software that stands up to scrutiny.

3. **Stay Ahead of the Game**: Invest in innovative solutions—formal methods, AI, threat modeling—whatever it takes.

4. **Collaborate and Conquer**: Forge partnerships across government and academia to create a unified front against this widespread threat.

Inaction is not an option. We need you to step up and help close this gap before we’re left picking up the pieces of a shattered infrastructure. Let’s not hand our competitors an open invitation to wreak havoc. Think of it as your chance to be a game changer in safeguarding our future. The clock is ticking!