Review - S 1917 Introduced - K–12 Cybersecurity Act of 2021

Last month Sen Peters (D,MI) introduced S 1917, the K–12 Cybersecurity Act of 2021. The bill would require CISA to conduct a study on the specific cybersecurity risks facing K–12 educational institutions and develop an online cybersecurity training toolkit designed for officials at K–12 educational institutions. No funding is authorized by this bill.

Within 120 days of the passage of this bill, CISA would be required to “conduct a study on the specific cybersecurity risks facing K–12 educational institutions”. A report to Congress would be required on the results of the study. Additionally, CISA would be required to develop recommendations that include voluntary cybersecurity guidelines designed to assist K–12 educational institutions in facing the cybersecurity risks identified.

Section 3(d) of the bill would require CISA, within 120 days of completing the recommendations described above, to “develop an online training toolkit designed for officials at K–12 educational institutions”.

Peters, and two of his three cosponsors {Sen Scott (R,FL) and Sen Rosen (D,NV)}, are members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to which this bill was assigned for consideration. Since Peters is the Chair of that Committee, he certainly has the influence to see this bill considered in Committee. I see nothing in this bill that would engender any specific opposition. I suspect that this bill would receive substantial bipartisan support in Committee.

For a more detailed look at the requirements of this bill, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/s-1917-introduced - subscription required.