Bill offers universities COVID-19 research protections

Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Frank Lucas (R-OK) introduced a measure they said is designed to aid universities and research institutions in protecting COVID-19 research from China and Russia cyberattacks.

The legislation would grant universities and research institutions access to cybersecurity guidance developed specifically for their needs, noting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) currently sets cybersecurity standards and guidelines for federal agencies and provides voluntary best practices for private industry.

“Congress must act to safeguard critical scientific Coronavirus research being conducted at universities nationwide,” Barr, a member of the China Task Force, said. “My bill would have the Director of National Institute of Standards and Technology put forth guidance to preserve COVID-19 research and greatly reduce the threat of cyberattacks. This includes providing best practices and guidelines that will protect our national security.”

Lucas, House Science, Space and Technology Committee ranking member, said he is proud to join Barr in presenting the bill.

“We’ve seen disturbing evidence of state-sponsored cyberattacks from the Chinese Communist Party directed at universities and organizations conducting vital research on combating COVID-19,” Lucas said. “This compromises our research efforts and delays our ability to identify vaccines and treatments. NIST’s Cybersecurity Framework is the gold standard for cyber protection, and tailoring these guidelines for academia and research institutions will keep our data safe from theft and manipulation by foreign actors. It’s a simple but strong way to protect American research and support the fight against COVID-19.”