Legislation to increase awareness of cybersecurity risks unveiled by Kinzinger – Ripon Advance

Working to help raise awareness of cybersecurity risks in order to thwart future attacks, U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced a bipartisan bill last week to establish a cybersecurity literacy campaign.

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, Rep. 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.

The congressman introduced the American Cybersecurity Literacy Act, H.R. 4055, on June 22, along with a group of cosponsors that included U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA). The legislation would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create a cybersecurity literacy campaign to increase awareness of cybersecurity risks among the American public, including best practices for preventing cyberattacks.

Two of the more high-profile, disruptive cyberattacks recently impacted critical infrastructure, including the Colonial Pipeline and a water treatment plant in Florida.

Cybersecurity attacks and data breaches are increasingly common, costing private companies and consumers billions of dollars and exposing the private information of countless Americans, Rep. Eshoo said. As attackers become more sophisticated, Americans must have the tools to identify risks and protect themselves from attacks.

A cyberattack happens every 39 seconds, the congressman noted on Facebook, and since the pandemic, cybercrime has increased dramatically.

I am proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues and look forward to working on this effort to help thwart future cyberattacks on all Americans, Rep. Kinzinger said.

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Legislation to increase awareness of cybersecurity risks unveiled by Kinzinger - Ripon Advance