Shaheen Legislation Passes the Senate to Help Small Businesses Protect Themselves Against Cyber Attacks

(Washington, DC) – This evening, the Senate approved legislation that contains key language included by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-NH), the lead Democrat on the Senate Small Business Committee, to improve the way the federal government works with small businesses to prevent cyber-attacks.

“Cyber-attacks pose a threat to businesses large and small,” said Shaheen. “Unfortunately, many small businesses in New Hampshire and across the country lack the information and resources they need to properly protect themselves. My legislation will make the federal government a strong ally of our small businesses as they protect themselves against this ever-evolving threat.”

Senator Shaheen’s legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to identify cyber security threats to small businesses and facilitate information sharing between the private sector and DHS. Specifically, DHS would be required to regularly publish best practices based on the latest intelligence on cyber-attacks so that small businesses can protect themselves.

Earlier this year, the House also passed legislation to address cyber security. Now that the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act has passed the Senate, the House and Senate are expected to soon negotiate joint legislation.