A group of lawmakers forwarded correspondence this week to congressional leaders, encouraging cybersecurity funding support in the next COVID-19 aid package.
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined eight Senate colleagues detailing how cybercriminals have launched campaigns against healthcare institutions, schools, small businesses, and local governments since the pandemic began – maintaining a lack of dedicated funding and resources has made it difficult to keep personal data secure.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have increased our reliance on technology,” the legislators wrote.”In everything from our healthcare systems to government, educational services to small business, we have come to depend on the reliability of our networks to send information safely and securely. This pandemic has shined a light on the vulnerabilities of our networks and the challenges those on the ground are facing every day.”
The lawmakers cited FBI sourcing indicating elementary and secondary schools—in addition to higher education institutions—can expect a spike in cyberattacks such as ransomware, phishing emails and other cyber-related risks in the coming year. Additionally, the lawmakers said hospitals and research facilities have also been warned of nations targeting their systems for patient and health data.
“As more Americans take part in teleworking, distance learning, and telemedicine, Congress must act quickly and ensure that the next COVID-19 relief bill includes funding to help employ robust cybersecurity systems across the board,” the Senators concluded. “Better preparation will enhance the ability of small businesses, governments, schools, and other institutions to respond more quickly to cyberattacks, protect critical data and personal information, and recover quickly.”
Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tom Carper (D-DE) also signed the correspondence.