What is true about A-ISAC and HSIN?

• A. A-ISAC is a private agency; HSIN is a government agency
• B. HSIN is a government agency; A-ISAC is private
• C. Both are private networks
• D. HSIN is a private contractor

Answer: (A)

Understanding the difference between private sector ISACs and government information-sharing networks helps here. A-ISAC operates as a private, industry-led information-sharing organization—created and run by the industry itself to share threats and best practices among its members. HSIN, the Homeland Security Information Network, is a government information-sharing network used by DHS and partner agencies to distribute threat information and situational awareness across government and authorized private-sector partners. Because of who runs and governs each, the statement that A-ISAC is a private entity and HSIN is a government network best reflects their real-world roles. It wouldn’t be correct to describe HSIN as a private contractor, nor to say both are private networks, nor to label A-ISAC as a government agency.