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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) sponsored legislation to enhance cybersecurity assistance to K-12 educational institutions across the country was signed into law by the President late last week. The bipartisan K-12 Cybersecurity Act helps educational institutions bolster their cybersecurity protections by instructing the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to examine the risks and challenges that schools face in securing their systems and offer recommendations and resources to schools.

“Protecting our children’s personal information needs to be a top priority. Recent cyberattacks show that need,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This new law provides the resource we need to protect schools and students.”

In addition to Cassidy, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the legislation in May 2021.

Background

Cyber-attacks on schools increased over the past year as Americans’ daily lives and classrooms moved online during the pandemic. The K-12 Cybersecurity Act directs CISA to work with teachers, school administrators, other federal departments and private sector organizations to complete a study of cybersecurity risks specific to K-12 educational institutions, including risks related to securing sensitive student and employee records and challenges related to remote learning.

Cassidy introduced a resolution marking October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month earlier this month. He also introduced two bills with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to protect small businesses against cyber-threats.