Two bills approved by a U.S. Senate committee late last month would provide ASA members one more tool to protect their shops from cyber threats.
ASA wants to ensure that our members have the best training and resources available to protect their shops and their customers from those who would do harm.
If passed, the “two bills will give small businesses the tools they need to safeguard themselves against the growing cybersecurity risks of the 21st century,” Sen. Rubio said in a news release.
S. 771 would create a program that trains counselors at the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) across the country in cyber strategy assistance. It would establish a cyber counseling program and require 10 percent of employees at leading SBDCs to become certified in cyber counseling. It would also require the SBA to reimburse SBDCs for costs of the program and amend Section 21 of the Small Business Act, which created the U.S. Small Business Administration.
S. 772 would ensure information technology systems at the Small Business Administration are protected from cyber criminals, assessing its internal cybersecurity while developing an agency cyber strategy. That strategy would be reported to the Senate and House Small Business Committees after enactment. The SBA would be required to report to the Senate and House Small Business Committees on the specific actions taken to secure agency data and threats.
The committee contends it is imperative to safeguard against cyberthreats in a technologically advanced world. Cyberthreats and attacks are not discriminatory and any business, including a small business, can fall victim to an attack, subsequently suffering major losses for the business owners and their business.
To find the SBDC closest to you, click here.
To go to the SBDC website, click here.
To learn more about cybersecurity-related issues, be sure to mark your calendar for the Technology & Telematics Forum to be held Sept. 12, 2019 in Troy, Mich. ASA and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers will be sponsoring the event, which will be discussing vehicular technology with leading industry experts. Stay tuned for more details.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, please visit ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2901.
For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to ASAshop.org or visit ASA’s legislative website at TakingTheHill.com.
