WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) and House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announce the introduction of bipartisan legislation aimed at creating proactive partnerships between small businesses and the federal government to help protect small businesses from criminal cyber-attacks.

The Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2021 establishes a federal development center for data information sharing to equip small firms with the necessary resources and strategies to prevent criminal cyber-attacks. To reduce the number of small businesses that are reluctant to report cases of cyber-fraud and hacks, the legislation also expands liability protections for participating small businesses that engage with the federal government in good faith.

“The rise in criminal cyber-attacks occurring across the country is deeply concerning. A partnership between the federal government and American’s small businesses based upon information sharing is critical to ensure the data protection of consumers, while also providing the necessary resources for these small firms to compete in a multi-faceted global economy,” said Congressman Donalds. “This bill encourages small businesses to engage and interact with the federal government to increase transparency, establish collaborative partnerships, and to ultimately provide additional security measures to potentially vulnerable small businesses.”

“With the risk of cyber-attacks rising every day, proactive collaboration and information sharing between the federal government and business is critical to protecting against malicious cyber actors,” said Chairwoman Velázquez. “Unfortunately, small businesses often lack the resources needed to develop adequate cybersecurity strategies and are reluctant to report cyber threats to the federal government. This bill will encourage collaboration and information sharing between small businesses and the federal government, helping to protect small firms that are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.”   

Co-Sponsors of this legislation include Rep. Steve Chabbot (R-OH) and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)

The bill in its entirety can be viewed here.

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