Bill targets cybersecurity literacy effort

A group of lawmakers recently introduced legislation seeking to increase knowledge and awareness of cybersecurity risks via a cybersecurity literacy campaign.

U.S. Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) presented the American Cybersecurity Literacy Act as a means of requiring the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to establish the literacy campaign and provide best practices for preventing cyberattacks.

“Over the past few months, we have seen rampant cyberattacks across the United States that have disrupted business, increased consumer costs, and threatened our national security,” Kinzinger said. “As technological advancements increase and become more complex, it is critical that everyone is aware of the risks posed from cyberattacks and how to mitigate those risks for personal security.”

Kinzinger said the nation must combine public awareness with targeted cyber education to prevent future attacks.

Bilirakis added that, in recent months, the nation has experienced cyberattacks on some of the most critical infrastructure systems, including the Colonial Pipeline.

“In my district, a hacker was recently able to penetrate a local government’s security measures and temporarily change the chemical settings of the city’s water supply to a potentially dangerous level,” he said. “Fortunately, the breach was discovered before anyone was in danger. However, these incidents underscore the importance of fortifying and modernizing our critical infrastructure to prevent further attacks. This legislation will develop a national education campaign to raise awareness of attacks and the practical steps that can be taken to thwart future bad actors.”