The US House of Representatives Approves Cyber Threat-Sharing Information Bill

April 23, 2024 by

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The House passed the Protecting Cyber Networks Act that supports the sharing of cybersecurity information to the federal government.

With a 307-116 outcome, most Republicans and Democrats see eye-to-eye on enforcing preventive measures to thwart digital attacks. The bill that is now making its way to the Senate will require a phase-out in seven years.

“The cybersecurity bills Congress is considering will in effect increase surveillance of Internet users and authorize dangerous countermeasures that could compromise their computer security,” said Gregory Nojeim, senior counsel at the Center for Democracy & Technology. “What my amendment did was force us to keep an eye on this legislation and force us to continue to justify its existence seven years on.”

In light of the recent full-scale hacks on major US companies, the government has had a difficult time providing direct solutions for the recent barrage of online attacks.

While the cyber threat bill is certainly a step forward in addressing future digital breaches, many still feel it’s not enough. Moreover, tech companies are concerned about the approach of gathering sensitive data due to rumors of federal surveillance issues.

With that being said, the success of the sharing strategy heavily weighs on the willingness and cooperation of the affected establishments.

The government is taking an extra step to ensure that businesses share sensitive security-related data by offering liability protection. Customer information will also be removed in various stages of the circulation process.

“At some point, we need to stop talking about the next Sony, the next Anthem, the next Target, the next JP Morgan Chase and the next State Department hack, and actually pass a bill that will help ensure that there will be no next cyber attack,” mentioned Representative Adam Schiff.

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