NTSC Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Require Annual Cybersecurity Training of Members of the U.S. House

Friday, September 13, 2019

ATLANTA, GA (September 13, 2019) — The National Technology Security Coalition (NTSC) supports bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Kathleen Rice (D-NY) and John Katko (R-NY) to require annual information security training for all U.S. House of Representatives employees, including elected officials.

House Resolution 355, the Congressional Cybersecurity Training Resolution of 2019, will require the Chief Administrative Officer of the U.S. House of Representatives to carry out annual information security training for House Members, officers, and employees. The bill also requires that officers and House employees submit a yearly certification showing that they completed the mandatory security training.

“The NTSC applauds Representatives Rice and Katko for their bipartisan leadership on this critical issue,” said NTSC Executive Director Patrick Gaul. “As the only association solely representing Chief Information Security Officers, we recognize that information security training is a fundamental component of developing a comprehensive security protocol. Our elected officials are not immune to cyberattacks. They are the target. Undergoing training to protect themselves is vital.”

“Cyberattacks continue to pose a growing and vexing threat at nearly every level of government, and Congressional Offices are no exception,” stated Representative Rice in a press release. “If we want to effectively counter those threats, then we need to make sure Members of Congress are equipped with the tools and knowledge to play an active role in this fight. Our employees and House officers are already required to take mandatory information security training, and it’s past time that Members are held to the same standard and bear the same responsibility.”

“Americans in the private and public sector are increasingly susceptible to cybersecurity attacks.” noted Representative John Katko in a press release. “Members of Congress must be able to properly identify these risks. The staff in my official offices, as well as staff in every House office, are required to complete mandatory cybersecurity training. It is imperative Members of Congress do the same.”

About the National Technology Security Coalition

The National Technology Security Coalition is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that serves as the preeminent advocacy voice for the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) across the nation. Through dialogue, education, and government relations, we unite both public and private sector stakeholders around policies that improve national cybersecurity standards and awareness.

Contact: Patrick Gaul, Executive Director
Phone: (404) 457-4329
Email: Patrick@NTSC.org

Twitter @NTSC_CISO