Security Operations , Critical Infrastructure Security , AI/ML , Government Regulations Lawmakers consider standalone critical infrastructure status for data centers May 1, 2026 Share By SC Staff (Adobe Stock) As reported by CyberScoop, lawmakers are debating the necessity of granting data centers a standalone designation as critical infrastructure, prompted by increasing threats and their growing importance. Lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection are considering whether data centers should be recognized as a distinct critical infrastructure sector. This discussion arises as data centers face escalating cyber and physical threats, exemplified by recent drone attacks on Amazon facilities in the U.S. and Bahrain. Industry experts and witnesses suggest that a standalone designation, similar to the United Kingdom's approach, could lead to a more unified and effective federal response. The current framework lacks a clear agency responsible for risk assessment, industry coordination, and incident response for these facilities. The rapid expansion of data centers, fueled by AI, underscores their significant role in the economy and national security. While some advocate for a combined sector with cloud providers, others emphasize the urgent need for data centers to be formally recognized and protected as critical infrastructure. Source: CyberScoop An In-Depth Guide to AI Get essential knowledge and practical strategies to use AI to better your security program. Learn More SC Staff Related Security Operations State cybersecurity leaders discuss prioritizing security upgrades SC Staff May 1, 2026 During a National Association of State Chief Information Officers conference, officials like Rex Menold, Michigan's chief security officer, shared that agencies, not central IT, often decide on security priorities. Security Operations Hackers accidentally leak database of stolen credit cards due to AI coding error SC Staff May 1, 2026 Hackers utilized an AI-assisted development tool called Cursor to build a statistics dashboard for Jerry's Store. Security Operations OpenAI enhances ChatGPT security with YubiKey partnership SC Staff May 1, 2026 OpenAI's new Advanced Account Security program, available to all ChatGPT users, includes a partnership with Yubico to integrate phishing-resistant security keys. Get daily email updates SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news Business Email By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Subscribe Related Terms Blue Team British Standard 7799 Chain of Custody Cold Warm Hot Disaster Recovery Site Competitive Intelligence Countermeasure Cron Daemon Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) Due Care You can skip this ad in 5 seconds