The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced a $200 million initiative aimed at enhancing cybersecurity in U.S. schools and libraries. The newly approved Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program will investigate which cybersecurity measures are most effective for K-12 institutions and libraries. This program is designed to identify how universal service funds might support these cybersecurity needs and to share findings with federal partners to tackle rising cyber threats.
The pilot program is a component of the FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel’s Learn Without Limits initiative, which aims to improve connectivity and access to high-speed internet in educational and library settings. This initiative also supports Wi-Fi on school buses, provides E-Rate support to libraries in Tribal communities, and funds off-premises Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet services.
In addition to the pilot program, the FCC is proposing new requirements for broadband providers to report on their Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) risk mitigation practices. This proposal would mandate that providers submit confidential reports on their BGP security measures and make quarterly public data available on their progress. The goal is to address vulnerabilities in BGP, a critical protocol used for routing internet traffic, which has been prone to security risks such as traffic redirection and data exposure.
The proposed rulemaking does not impose specific security standards but requires detailed risk management plans from broadband providers, particularly the largest nine providers. Smaller providers will be asked to make their plans available to the FCC upon request. This initiative aims to strengthen BGP security, ensuring the integrity and reliability of internet communications across the country.
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