In today’s complex cybersecurity environment, the U.S government faces significant challenges in safeguarding sensitive data and information. To manage and protect critical systems, the government relies on a vast network of contractors, but many lack the robust security measures needed to defend against cyberattacks and modern threats. The Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025 (HR 872) was introduced into the House of Representatives with the goal of addressing critical security gaps in the infrastructure of government contractors. 

 Under the provisions of the act, federal contractors are mandated to implement Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDPs) alongside meeting NIST standards for cyber security. With these provisions, the act seeks to mitigate the risks posed by potential vulnerabilities in government systems by adopting a more proactive strategy to cybersecurity. HR 872 also seeks to address the escalating ransomware and data breach attacks on government contractor cyber supply chains. The passing of HR 872 marks another effort by the U.S. government to enhance the security of its contracting ecosystem. This legislation aims to make sure that federal contractors are responsible for their cybersecurity practices which assists in safeguarding the sensitive data of the government, national security resources, and ultimately the U.S. itself. 

The Increasing Threat of Cybersecurity in Federal Contracting

In recent years, there have been multiple high-profile incidents that highlight the vulnerabilities in the government contractor space. One of the most prevalent breaches was the SolarWinds breach in 2020, in which cyber criminals used the software that federal contractors used to access sensitive government systems to exploit. The breach impacted a number of organizations including the DHS, DoD and Treasury Department. This incident severely exposed the risk and vulnerabilities that are present within the government’s supply chain and federal contracting network. Part of the legislation requires contractors to actively seek and neutralize gaps that bad actors can exploit. This transformation is imperative for defending against emerging attacks in the cyberspace domain. Primary Features of HR 872 will have several principal features that are likely to affect all federal contractors within the territory of the United States. These features center on the improvement of processes aimed at reporting and handling cyber vulnerabilities, aligning cybersecurity with modern standards, and offering accountability on cybersecurity matters.

1. Requirement for a Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP)

As one of the most impactful components of HR 872, it requires all federal contractors to have a Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP). VDP’s allow third-party security researchers or ethical hackers to make known the weaknesses present in the contractor’s systems. VDP’s thrive on reducing or removing silos that often exist between stakeholders and ensure that vulnerabilities are stringently dealt with before cybercriminals make use of them. This provision marks a major change in contractors' approaches to managing cybersecurity risk. In the past, contractors seemed only to deal with vulnerabilities after internal security teams discovered them or an incident had already occurred. With the introduction of VDPs, contractors will be required to anticipate and eliminate vulnerabilities, thereby protecting data breaches and other cybersecurity incidents from happening in the first place.

2. Alignment with NIST Cybersecurity Framework

HR 872 adds another layer of complexity to the matter by requiring contractors to synchronize their cybersecurity activities with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Regarded as one of the most comprehensive and efficient in securing digital systems, this framework includes recommended practices to manage cyber risks. It offers a systematic means for contractors to implement necessary steps to identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity threats. With the implementation of the NIST framework, contractors will now be bound by standardized cybersecurity requirements, achieving a uniformity of security across the federal contracting landscape. The NIST framework also highlights placing focus on the improvement of existing systems. Under this framework, contractors will have to routinely check their systems for new vulnerabilities, resolve any emerging risks, and adjust protection mechanisms in response to evolving threats. This is in accordance with the intention of HR 872 to create a better layered defense and protective system within federal contracts.

3. Process for Reporting Vulnerabilities

Another key feature of HR 872 is the policy mandating contractors to create a formal policy for reporting vulnerabilities. This policy will ensure that any cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified within government systems are properly recorded, dealt with, and controlled in a manner that limits the potential harm inflicted in a timely fashion. The act contains some reporting requirements of its own that are derived from NIST Special Publication 800-216. These guidelines detail a definitive reporting structure, which, along with NIST SP 800-216, spells out a contractor’s responsibility for mitigating security risks. Formal processes for vulnerability reporting allow HR 872 to ensure that such vulnerabilities are mitigated in an orderly manner thereby minimizing the chances of a successful cyber-attack. 

The Wider Impact of HR 872 on The Federal Contractor Ecosystem

Although HR 872 explicitly tackles federal contractors, it has a wider scope than what is anticipated within the government domain. This also applies to the rest of the legislation in the private sector with government contractors and businesses that rely on them or provide essential services. Because HR872 sought to enhance the security of information systems within the federal contractor ecosystem, it garners the attention of other sectors.

1. Improving Supply Chain Security 

Possibly one of the more serious issues regarding the enactment of HR 872 is the effect it may have on the enhancement of the supply chain security on the other sectors. Subcontractors usually form an important component of the supply chains of private sector firms, especially those in critical areas of importance like defense, energy, and healthcare. HR 872 alleviates this risk by ensuring proper cybersecurity measures are the same with these contractors as they are with other private sector clients. With the growing threat of cybercriminals gaining unrestricted access to supply chain information, they try to exploit the possible weaknesses in the structures. The incorporation of cybersecurity measures at the level of government subcontractors, as prescribed by HR 872, goes a long way in preventing these attempts by criminals and safeguarding the whole cyberspace.

2. Define Digital Security for Subcontracted Government Work.

Like other contractors, subcontracted government contractors are subject to a cyberspace order which makes them operate under sophisticated and advanced cyberspace regulations. This now ensures that in the attempt to get sensitive information, HR 872 will be able to protect systems in the governments at the expense of criminal submergence. They also serve to align the contractor with NIST which is a hallmark of a sound cybersecurity framework. The criteria delineated by HR 872 may serve as the best practices for other industries, thus improving the security of the entire economy’s digital landscape. Uniformity in cybersecurity functions may assist in diminishing the likelihood of successful attacks on essential services and government systems.

3. Promoting Cooperation between the Public and Private Sectors

HR 872 places the focus on the public and private sectors working together in a more integrated way. By encouraging openness in disclosing and addressing cybersecurity risks, the act creates a spirit of partnership within government agencies and private companies. Such collaboration is crucial to address the escalating risk of cyberattacks and maintain non-military national infrastructural systems. By facilitating collaboration between the government and contractors, HR 872 enables the other sectors to focus on developing an overarching comprehensive cybersecurity blueprint that both sides can utilize to increase the defense against cyberattacks.

Zeroproof: The Quantum-Resistant Solution for Strengthening Federal Contractor Cybersecurity

Zero Proof’s patented Emulated Quantum Key Distribution (eQKD) technology surpasses expectations of contractors in resolving the challenges presented in HR 872. Through its unique methods of quantum-resistant key distribution, it enables contractors to tap into future proof endpoint security and renders upper-level contractors advanced cyber solution systems without complicated integrations. By integrating Zeroproof’s eQKD with the vulnerability disclosure and reporting process, federal contractors can address not only immediate cybersecurity risks, but also long-term threats posed by quantum computing. The need for key distribution systems that safeguard against both today and tomorrow’s threats aligns perfectly with the goals of HR 872, and emphasizes the need for proactive, transparent security practices. The Zeroproof eQKD technology represents a critical component in securing the systems and communications at the heart of U.S. national security and global business operations. To schedule a call with the team, or to learn more about Zeroproof and our product offerings, please contact us.