Security News > 2022 > March > Russia’s invasion kicks Senate into cybersecurity law mode

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the possibility that the Kremlin may escalate its cyberespionage against the West after being heavily sanctioned, has convinced the US Senate to unanimously pass a bipartisan cybersecurity bill.

The Strengthening American Cybersecurity Act of 2022, which now goes to the House, would put into law some of the regulations the Biden Administration and some members of Congress have been advocating for since the onslaught of high-profile ransomware attacks last year, including those on such companies as Colonial Pipeline and meat processor JBS Foods.

"Reporting ransomware payments can be immensely useful if there is immunity for making the payments," John Bambenek, principal threat hunter at cybersecurity firm Netenrich, told The Register.

The President has signed executive orders and a memorandum pushing to improve the cybersecurity posture of the government and US businesses.

"It's no surprise with recent incidents and an increased threat of cyberattacks that this bill has gained bipartisan support," Tim Erlin, vice president of strategy at cybersecurity company Tripwire, told The Register.

"The requirements included, which go beyond just reporting incidents, are largely common-sense measures to protect organizations. Making progress on cybersecurity has been a clear objective for the administration and the passage of this legislation in the Senate is evidence of that progress."

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2022/03/05/senate-cyber-bill/