FCC Proposes Schools, Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program
The FCC announced a proceeding Monday proposing to establish a schools and libraries cybersecurity pilot program that would allow the commission to "obtain valuable data concerning the cybersecurity and advanced firewall services that would best help K12 schools and libraries…
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address the growing cyber threats and attacks against their broadband networks and data," said an NPRM. Comments are due 30 days after Federal Register publication, 60 days for replies, in docket 23-234. “This pilot program is an important pathway for hardening our defenses against sophisticated cyberattacks on schools and ransomware attacks that harm our students and get in the way of their learning,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel: “Protecting our students is a critically important task and one that touches on the mission of several federal agencies." The proposed pilot program calls for an investment of up to $200 million over three years funded by the Universal Service Fund, per a news release. It would be separate from the E-rate program to "ensure gains in enhanced cybersecurity don’t come at a cost of undermining E-rate’s success." The pilot program would also provide funding to eligible K-12 schools and libraries to "defray the qualifying costs of receiving the cybersecurity and advanced firewall services needed to protect their E-rate-funded broadband networks and data from the growing number of school and library-focused cyber events."