Bill targets supply chain security training

U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) recently introduced legislation designed to enhance supply chain security via vigorous training initiatives.

The Supply Chain Security Training Act creates a standardized training program to help federal employees responsible for purchasing services and equipment identify whether those products could compromise the federal government’s information security.

“Recent attacks against American networks show that our foreign adversaries and criminal organizations will stop at nothing to breach federal networks, steal information, and compromise our national security,” said Peters, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “Federal employees need to know how to recognize possible threats when they are purchasing software and equipment that could allow bad actors a back door into government information systems.”

Peters said the legislation strengthens national security by safeguarding against cybersecurity vulnerabilities and other threats posed by technology uses.

“Counterintelligence training for federal workers who buy and sell goods and services for the government is critical at a time when our adversaries are probing cyber vulnerabilities to breach our systems and steal information,” Johnson said. “This type of training will help close a potential gap in our cyber and physical security defenses.”

Under the bill, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) would develop guidance for federal agencies to adopt and use the training program, in addition to determining the process for selecting officials to participate in the training.