This week, President Trump signed the “NIST Small Business Cyber Security Act,” which ensures the National Institute of Standards and Technology will work with federal agencies to create guidelines that will help small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity. In addition, small businesses will be allowed to follow the guidelines voluntarily and it will be funded from already existing funds.
The bill was introduced by Republican Representative Dan Webster, and it also had the support from Republican Representative Lamar Smith who is the chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
In response to the signing, Representative Webster commented that “This bill will provide small businesses in my district, state and across the country with the tools they need to meet the threats and challenges of the modern world. These small businesses are more susceptible to attacks due to the limited access to the tools they need to prepare for such an event.”
Webster also added that “As the owner of a multi-generational small business, I know what small businesses can accomplish when equipped and empowered with the right tools. Recently, when my own business was attacked, I experienced the havoc a hacker can cause and the importance of cybersecurity. I thank President Trump for swiftly signing this bill into law.”
