Rosenworcel Proposes Cybersecurity Pilot for Schools, Libraries

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated a proposal among commissioners to create a pilot program that would invest in cybersecurity services for eligible K-12 schools and libraries, said a news release Wednesday (see 2307050041). “With the growing number of sophisticated cyberattacks on schools and especially the rise in malicious ransomware attacks that harm our students, now is the time to take action," Rosenworcel said. If adopted, the pilot would invest up to $200 million over three years to "harden the cyber defenses and determine the most effective methods to protect our schools and libraries." The pilot would be established within the USF and be separate from the E-rate program to "ensure gains in enhanced cybersecurity don’t come at a cost of undermining E-rate’s success in promoting digital equity."