A bipartisan group of senators introduced the Small Business Cyber Resiliency Act to provide small businesses with improved access to top-of-the-line cybersecurity resources.
The bill was introduced by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).
“Properly combatting cyberattacks on energy infrastructure is critically important. By requiring Senate confirmation for this role, we ensure the position holder remains committed to the tasks at hand as opposed to caving to the political whims of the appointing administration,” said Crapo.
The Bill Would:
- Ensure cybersecurity training and resources for small businesses are effective, accessible, and relevant.
- Establish a Central Small Business Cybersecurity Unit at the Small Business Administration (SBA) to oversee the agency’s cybersecurity efforts.
- Create a publicly available clearinghouse for small business cybersecurity resources at the SBA.
- Enhance cybersecurity resources and training available for small businesses through SBA resource partners.
- Improve information sharing for small business cybersecurity between the SBA, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and other federal agencies.
- Review the cybersecurity hygiene of small businesses that went online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senator Shaheen said, “More than 99% of businesses in New Hampshire are small businesses, and Americans have started a record number of new businesses over the last two years. This vital piece of the American economy needs to prioritize cybersecurity but may not have access to the necessary resources. This bill aims to provide some of these vital resources.”
Senator Risch said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they need to be protected from cyberattacks. This bill will help small businesses get the cybersecurity resources they need to stay safe.”
The bill is now being considered by the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
More Here: Risch, Crapo, Barrasso Lead Legislation to Boost Department of Energy Cybersecurity Office