Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act of 2017

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3170, the Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act of 2017. In today's increasingly cyber world, information technology is vital for small businesses. It equips them with the necessary tools and allows them to remain competitive in the global economy.

However, the same tools that allow small businesses to stay on the cutting edge of technology have also caused them to be increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. And, unfortunately, a simple cyber attack can destroy a small business.

According to the National Small Business Association, the average cost of a cyber attack on a small business is $32,000. Many small businesses fear such an attack but lack the resources or the technical knowledge to prevent one. That is where H.R. 3170 comes into play.

This legislation would equip lead small business development centers with a cyber counseling certification program to educate small businesses and help them to implement a cybersecurity plan to protect their business. Due to the high cost of hiring cyber experts, many small businesses could not otherwise afford to take such precautions.

H.R. 3170 would offer cyber assistance at no or low cost to small businesses. This bipartisan bill would help America's nearly 30 million small businesses stay ahead of cyber attacks so that they are not forced to react once it is too late. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source