The White House budget for the 2021 fiscal year is seeking to increase funds to help strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is proposed to receive a 61% increase in funding to $1.9 billion. This is part of President Joe Biden’s plan to make sure the U.S. is better prepared to defend itself against cyber threats.
Protecting the Homeland
The budget proposal of $8.6 billion for CISA is a major part of Biden’s plan to build on the Trump Administration’s successes while also addressing their shortcomings. This increase would help fund efforts to determine the security of federal networks, improve systems at the Department of Homeland Security, and support programs that train cybersecurity personnel.
Strengthening Federal Initiatives
This budget proposal also includes $650 million for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). This program is responsible for assessing the security of cloud computing systems and working with developers and vendors to ensure that their systems meet standards. As the federal government is increasingly using cloud services, this additional spending will help to ensure that security remains a priority.
Enhancing State and Local Security
In addition to federal initiatives, the proposed budget also includes $400 million for grants to help state and local governments improve their cybersecurity measures. This includes the State and Local Government Cybersecurity Program, the State and Local Election Security Grant Program, and the State, Local, Territorial, and Tribal (SLTT) Cybersecurity Program. These grants would help to ensure that SLTT organizations have the resources they need to protect their citizens, infrastructure, and election systems.
Raising Awareness and Improving Training
The budget proposal also seeks to raise awareness of cyber security and provide training opportunities. This includes $100 million to be allocated to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), which promotes cyber security education, training, and outreach. This would be the largest annual funding to date and is part of the Biden Administration’s goal of creating a cyber-secure future.
Conclusion
The proposed budget for 2021 seeks to increase funding for cybersecurity initiatives and improve the nation’s ability to defend against malicious cyber threats. With an increasing reliance on technology, these additional funds are necessary to ensure that the U.S. remains secure and resilient. Share this article on social media to help raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity and the need for increased funding.