Federal preemption is a legal doctrine in the United States where federal law takes precedence over conflicting state laws. In cybersecurity, this means that when federal regulations or statutes address a particular area, they override any state laws that may contradict or interfere with those federal rules. This principle ensures uniformity in the enforcement of cybersecurity standards and policies across all states, reducing confusion for organizations operating in multiple jurisdictions. Federal preemption can be explicit, where a federal law expressly states its dominance, or implicit, where the scope of the federal law suggests that no room is left for state regulation. Understanding federal preemption is crucial for compliance officers and legal teams to ensure adherence to the correct set of laws.