Katko unveils Cyber Essentials Act

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) on Sept. 11 sponsored a bipartisan bill to help improve America’s cybersecurity via federal anti-cyber attack guidance.

Rep. Katko sponsored the Cyber Essentials Act, H.R. 8223, with cosponsors including U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Kathleen Rice (D-NY) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to promote evidence-based controls for defending against common cybersecurity threats and risks, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“Today, cyberattacks are more pervasive than ever, and continue to cost individuals, businesses and governments billions of dollars each year,” said Rep. Katko, ranking member on the U.S. House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee. 

“While most Americans recognize cybercrime as a growing threat to their personal security and the security of our nation,” he added, “many are unable to navigate the complexities of currently available cybersecurity guidance.”

If enacted, H.R. 8223 would direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to work with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop and publish evidence-based guidance to help average Americans secure their technology and data, according to Rep. Katko’s staff.

“To effectively protect against cybercrime, we must make guidance more accessible to the general public,” Rep. Katko said. “My bipartisan bill, the Cyber Essentials Act, achieves this by requiring CISA and NIST to collaborate on a list of basic actions the general public should take to secure their technology and data. 

“In providing all Americans with the tools they need to strengthen cybersecurity, we will ensure our nation as a whole is better protected,” said the congressman.

H.R. 8223 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Homeland Security Committee.