Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Cornyn (R-TX) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) recently introduced a measure designed to link the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC) to combat cybersecurity risks.
The National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act would aid the process of preparing for and responding to national, state and local level risks.
The bill would specifically provide training to state and local first responders and officials as well as develop curriculums, and provide technical assistance. It would also require cross-sector cybersecurity training and simulation exercises for state and local governments, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and private industry. The legislation would also help states and communities develop cybersecurity information sharing programs.
“Strengthening and streamlining cooperation between the Department of Homeland Security and National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium will go a long way in advancing our nation’s defense against cybersecurity risks and terrorist threats,” Cruz said. “This bill recognizes the vital role the private sector, state and local entities, including the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas A&M, serve in protecting America’s critical infrastructure.”
Leahy said improving cybersecurity remains vitally important in every aspect of our lives.
“Whether in businesses small or large, in our personal lives, or in our government agencies, having the assurance that we know who is accessing our digital information, how they are doing it and how they are using it is important,” he said. “I have long supported the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium to educate our communities on how to defend and recover from cyberattacks. The legislation we are reintroducing can help to ensure continued collaboration between the cybersecurity expertise developed in our educational institutions, and our state and local governments.”