On May 10, 2019, U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (D-NY) introduced legislation that will require House Members to partake in annual cybersecurity training. At this time, elected officials are not required to partake in the annual information security training that their officers and employees undergo.
The Bipartisan Congressional Cyber Security Training Resolution of 2019, sponsored by Representative John Katko (R-NY), or H.Res 355, sets to address this by requiring members to participate in cybersecurity training.
KnowBe4 applauds Representatives Rice and Katko for their leadership on this issue. With social engineering on the rise, there is an increasing susceptibility to cyber security attacks in the public and private sectors, including the offices of elected officials. Adequate training is an important security measure to help manage this challenge. This legislation represents a step in the right direction for our national security.
“I’ve recently been tasked with heading up KnowBe4’s legislative efforts and supporting legislation for security awareness training requirements for the U.S. government is one of my first priorities,” said Rosa Smothers, SVP of cyber operations, KnowBe4. “Security awareness training needs to be continuous and engaging in order to be effective, so we’re hopeful that this legislation will be expanded to include those components.”
The House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress is currently reviewing cybersecurity training for members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
As bad actors continue to develop new techniques and advances in cyberattacks, it is crucial that security awareness training is continuous and adaptive. KnowBe4 will continue to support Congressional leaders in their efforts to bring effective cybersecurity training to all members of Congress.
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