FCC opens applications for $200 million cyber pilot program
Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) testifies during a House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee hearing on March 31, 2022 in Washington, DC Kevin Dietsch /Getty
The agency has taken numerous steps to enhance U.S. networks’ cyber posture.
The Federal Communications Commission opened its application portal for schools and libraries to partake in a three-year pilot program to help subsidize the costs of cybersecurity services and equipment.
The agency in June voted to supply $200 million from its Universal Service Fund toward school and library applicants to request better equipment and services to help stop cyberattacks against their institutions. The application window closes Nov. 1.
USF is a funding tool that supplements internet costs for eligible low-income institutions. The commission has mainly relied on a longstanding E-Rate program to provide funding to both schools and libraries, though the money in this case is earmarked separately “to ensure gains in enhanced cybersecurity do not undermine E-Rate’s success in connecting schools and libraries and promoting digital equity,” an agency statement previously said.
School cyberattacks have plagued headlines for months. The uptick convinced the White House last summer to convene industry leaders to move the needle on boosting school cyberdefenses. The private sector at the time announced several voluntary commitments, including grant programs and free or subsidized cybersecurity offerings for schools.
Thousands of districts have since engaged in the services. But they and other school cybersecurity observers haven’t noticed any significant reduction in threats, Nextgov/FCW previously reported.
Schools and libraries are often target-rich environments for hackers due to the sensitive user data that’s stored in their systems. They’re also frequently resource-poor, meaning that they can’t hire necessary technical staff to install and keep watch over cybersecurity services.
Whereas national security officials benefit from extensive ties with major tech companies, which often include legal obligations for data sharing, school districts do not have access to similar partnerships.
“The vulnerabilities in the networks are real — and growing,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Through this pilot program, we’ll have a chance to better understand what equipment, services, and tools will help protect school and library broadband networks from cyberthreats."