Federal Government To Provide Funds To Agencies Through Coronavirus Bill for Cybersecurity

As the Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) tightens its grip on the United States, workers and families alike have been relegated to their homes.  This temporary “shelter-in-place” has caused numerous employees to telecommute to work and access their secure work networks from their personal WIFI systems, potentially exposing their employer’s databases.  Many companies are not equipped to handle an influx of remote access, and the expense to integrate stringent security protocols, network protections, etc. which may negatively impact businesses’ bottom line.

While many businesses are strapped for cash and experiencing unprecedented global turmoil, the Trump administration hopes to provide relief in the cybersecurity forum for federal agencies.  Trump’s emergency COVID-19 funding seeks to inject nearly $48 billion into the United States economy.  Within this relief package, the Department of Energy would receive $21 million for teleworking support and cybersecurity costs, among other things. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) would receive $47 million towards information technology, cybersecurity and virtual private networks (“VPNs”), the Interior Department would receive $17 million for cybersecurity upgrades, and the National Archives and Records Administration would receive $5.5 million to assist telecommuting employees.

The federal government’s robust efforts seek to deepen cybersecurity measures for federal agencies in the wake of COVID-19.  While many businesses currently have cybersecurity protections in place, it is necessary for each employee and company to follow and potentially re-evaluate cybersecurity policies. 

https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-cybersecurity/2020/03/19/cybersecurity-money-part-of-emergency-coronavirus-request-786231