Committee on small business sign

Senators Introduce Bill to Help Small Businesses Improve Cybersecurity Protections

The legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to develop educational resources for business owners and train counselors on higher-level cybersecurity information.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Jul 12, 2019

Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) and Gary Peters (D-Michigan) introduced a bill this week aiming to help small businesses access cybersecurity information and tools more easily through existing government programs.

The Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Act would direct the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to become a “cybersecurity clearinghouse” by compiling government education materials and offering them as resources at Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) operated by the federal government.

Most importantly, the bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to train SBDC counselors on higher-level cybersecurity information. DHS officials would also develop online educational materials to disseminate to small business owners.

Rubio, who chairs the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, said cyber criminals and state-sponsored foreign hackers have targeted small businesses in the past, paralyzing their ability to operate.

“This bipartisan bill ensures that small businesses have greater access to critical resources and training to better protect their networks before a cyber-attack occurs,” Rubio said in a statement.

Security breaches at small businesses can be the “doorway” for breaches of larger companies, making the problem worse, Peters said.

“Yet too many small business owners say they lack the resources they need to safeguard their businesses and customers from hackers, fraudsters, and cybercriminals,” Peters said in a statement. “This commonsense legislation will help ensure small businesses can access much-needed information and training to secure their systems from malicious cyber-attacks.”

The legislation follows recommendations from DHS and SBA’s most recent cyber strategy report, which came out in March. In a study conducted for the report over 85 percent of small business owners said they fear cyberattacks and feel unprepared for one.

Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colorado) introduced a companion bill that has already been added to the House’s version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act, The Hill reported. The House will likely vote on the NDAA this week.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events

  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.