October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and the Biden Administration is highlighting cyber security in a big way.
“President Biden designated October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month and encouraged the public and private sectors to take immediate action to protect against cyber threats in a White House press release.” (Health IT Security). “According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Congress and the President have designated the month of October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month since 2004. This year’s theme is ‘See Yourself in Cyber.’”
Recently in September, the Department of Homeland Security announced a cybersecurity grant program for state, local, and territorial (SLT) governments granting $1 billion in funding.
“This State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, made possible thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $1 billion in funding to SLT partners over four years, with $185 million available for FY22, to support SLT efforts to address cyber risk to their information systems. With this funding, SLT governments will be better equipped to address cybersecurity risks, strengthen the cybersecurity of their critical infrastructure, and ensure resilience against persistent cyber threats for the services SLT governments provide their communities.” (DHS).
Last year an executive order was issued attempting to strengthen national cyber security.
“Referring to last year’s executive order aimed at improving the nation’s cybersecurity, President Biden stressed the importance of maintaining strong cybersecurity controls within federal agencies. The executive order focused on removing barriers to threat-sharing, establishing minimum security standards for federal agencies, and modernizing and streamlining cybersecurity efforts.” (Health IT Security).
Members of Homeland Security believe the new SLT grant program will benefit the security of the nation.
“‘Cyberattacks have emerged as one of the most significant threats to our homeland,’ said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. ‘In response, we continue to strengthen our nation’s cybersecurity, including by resourcing state and local communities to build and enhance their cyber defenses. The cybersecurity grant process we are starting today is a vital step forward in this critical effort. Our approach is one of partnership, in the service of an all-of-society investment in the security of our homeland.’” (DHS).
In the spirit of Cyber Security Awareness month, the Biden Administration suggests bolstering your own cyber security and cyber hygiene.
“Although security may seem daunting, there are numerous free resources that healthcare organizations can use to bolster their cybersecurity practices and heighten awareness. For example, the Health Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC) maintains a multitude of useful resources, such as an Operational Continuity Cyber Incident (OCCI) checklist, a Medtech vulnerability communications toolkit, and other best practices.” (Health IT Security).
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Sources:
Health IT security. https://healthitsecurity.com/news/white-house-highlights-cybersecurity-awareness-month
