H.R. 2154: American Cybersecurity Literacy Act

This bill, known as the American Cybersecurity Literacy Act, aims to enhance cybersecurity awareness and knowledge among the general public in the United States. It emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity literacy for national security and economic interests. Here are the key points of what the bill would do:

Establishment of Cybersecurity Literacy Campaign

The bill mandates the creation of a cybersecurity literacy campaign, which will be developed and conducted by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. The campaign should be accessible in various languages and formats whenever possible.

Objectives of the Campaign

As part of the literacy campaign, the following objectives are outlined:

• Education on Cyber Threats: Teach the public how to recognize and prevent threats, such as identifying phishing emails and ensuring the security of websites.
• Password Management: Educate people on changing default passwords on technology and the importance of using complex passwords.
• Encouragement of Cybersecurity Tools: Promote the use of tools like multi-factor authentication, anti-virus software, and virtual private networks (VPNs).
• Identification of Risky Devices: Help the public identify devices that may present cybersecurity risks, including:
  • Personal computers
  • Smartphones
  • Tablets
  • Wi-Fi routers
  • Smart home appliances
  • Webcams
  • Other internet-connected devices
• Application Permissions: Encourage individuals to review app permissions regularly and only download apps from trusted sources.
• Public Wi-Fi Risks: Educate users about the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi and how to mitigate those risks.

Implementation of the Campaign

The campaign will utilize various outreach methods to connect with the American populace, ensuring that information on best practices to reduce cybersecurity risks is widely disseminated.

Goals of the Campaign

The overall goal of the campaign is to create a more informed and prepared public in the face of increasing cybersecurity threats. The intention is for the population to proactively engage in practices that will minimize their risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.

Relevant Companies

• FFIV (F5, Inc.): This company focuses on application delivery networking and security, which may see increased demand for its products and services as public awareness of cybersecurity practices grows.
• AVGO (Broadcom Inc.): Known for its semiconductor products, Broadcom also provides security solutions that could benefit from a more security-conscious consumer base.
• CYBR (CyberArk Software): As a company specializing in cybersecurity solutions, CyberArk may experience heightened interest in its products from consumers who become more aware of cybersecurity needs.