Legislation targets national cybersecurity enhancement

A New York lawmaker has introduced a trio of measures he said are designed to enhance national cybersecurity while bolstering stability in leadership positions, funding, and resources.

Rep. John Katko (R-NY) said the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director and Assistant Directors Act, Strengthening the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2020 and the CISA Public-Private Talent Exchange Act would aid the creation of a public-private workforce exchange program and serves as key recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission’s inaugural report this year.

The Commission is responsible for developing and recommending a comprehensive national strategy for improving American cybersecurity.

“The time for our nation to take cybersecurity seriously is far overdue,” Katko, ranking member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation, said. “Underscoring this fact, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, American businesses and governments, as well as individuals working from home, have experienced a significant uptick in cyberattacks. As a nation, it’s clear we must do better to prepare for and respond to these attacks.”

Katko has worked across party lines to make the Commission’s recommendations legislative realities. After the Commission recommended establishing a more coordinated national cyber strategy, he introduced The National Cyber Direct Act to create the position of National Cyber Director within the White House.