LIBN: House passes Garbarino bill to fortify small biz cybersecurity

Small businesses may be gaining momentum in the fight against cyberattacks.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act of 2021.

Introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-Massapequa Park, in July 2021, the bill garnered strong bipartisan support with a vote of 409-14.

The legislation would help Small Business Development Centers better assist small businesses to fortify their cyber strategies. It would include a cyber-counseling certification program, and authorize the U.S. Small Business Administration to reimburse the centers for certification costs of up to $350,000 a year.

“Cyberattacks are on the rise and small businesses are increasingly vulnerable,” Garbarino said on the House Floor in support of the bill.

“Nearly 50 percent of cyberattacks are directed at small businesses, which can result in devastating financial, intellectual property, and reputational loss,” he added. “Small businesses are targeted because they often lack the resources or technical knowledge needed to implement and maintain cybersecurity defenses.”