House Committee on Small Business Chairman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) marked National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by stressing the importance of cyber health to the Main Street economy.
“Digital technology allows small businesses to sell their products and services all over the world and plays a vital role in our nation’s economy,” Chabot said today. “With 81 percent of small businesses concerned by a potential cyber-attack, but only 63 percent having the most basic cybersecurity measures in place, it’s imperative we are vigilant about leveraging resources to protect small businesses owners and their intellectual property.”
This year, the committee held several hearings to examine how small-business owners are confronting cyber threats from numerous bad actors. In addition to phishing scams and ransomware attacks, one of the most significant cyber threats small-business owners face is the theft of intellectual property through cyberespionage. Small businesses are often the most underequipped participants in high-tech supply changes, making them the biggest targets for cyber attacks. Earlier this year, Chabot introduced H.R. 4668, the Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2017, in an effort to help small businesses respond to cyber attacks more effectively.
Additionally, H.R. 3170, the Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act of 2017, led by Chabot, passed the House on May 8. This legislation would provide cyber certification for Small Business Development Center counselors.
