Lawmakers are pushing for legislation that would promote better cybersecurity coordination between the Department of Homeland Security and state and local governments.
On June 17, Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich. and Rob Portman, R-Ohio, introduced the State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act in an effort to boost coordination between federal cybersecurity professionals and state and local governments to address emerging threats. The bill encourages enhanced information sharing about cyber threats, vulnerabilities and breaches between the entities.
The legislation would empower the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center to provide guidance and training to state and local governments on fighting cyber threats and protecting critical infrastructure. Under the law, NCCIC would provide state and local governments access to security tools, policies and procedures.
Additionally, the legislation would expand on efforts by the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center that identified Russian attempts to meddle in U.S. elections systems, and strengthen collaboration to counter, protect and respond to future cybersecurity incidents.