Knowing my usual reaction to government involvement in cyber security most of my readers will be surprised to learn that I actually support this proposed bill. Typically, forming a “task force” involves the trading of political favors and the establishment of more bureaucracy. But this bill, as proposed today by Senators Kerry et. al. is simple and to the point: create an advisory task force to the SBA (Small Business Administration) to help suggest ways that small businesses can protect themselves from cyber threats.
Since most of my blogging and writing has the same purpose as the proposed task force I cannot complain about the goal of this legislation. And, I really approve of the budget, $200K/year for three years, with nothing going to the task force members.
While you could argue that the task force will not uncover anything new, as a matter of fact will come up with some pretty obvious recommendations (firewalls, passwords, defense in depth, encryption of critical data), you have to admit that the SBA is pretty good at messaging to its constituency. I could see the SBA engaging in education programs, web based tools, even working through banks and its loan programs to influence the adaption of good security practices at small businesses.
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