Multiple organizations and stakeholders are calling for the urgent passage of bipartisan legislation that would renew cybersecurity provisions that expired on Sept.30.
The Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act would re-authorize a 10-year-old law that enables private companies to voluntarily share cybersecurity threat indicators with the Department of Homeland Security. Indicators include software vulnerabilities, malicious IP addresses and malware signatures. The information has been used to protect personal information, help prevent data breaches, and strengthen the federal government’s ability to respond to cyberattacks.
U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee ranking member, and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the bill on Oct. 9. Organizations supporting the bill include Business Roundtable, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Retail Federation that collectively represent hundreds of thousands of American businesses that make up more than 25 percent of U.S. gross domestic product.
“This important legislation would provide businesses with much-needed certainty to share information quickly and defend against escalating cyber threats,” Amy Shuart, Business Roundtable vice president of technology & innovation, said. “We commend Sens. Peters and Rounds for championing this vital work and encourage Congress to work together to pass a long-term reauthorization as soon as possible.”