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Hassan-Requested GAO Report Highlights Efforts to Bolster Cybersecurity Workforce

WASHINGTON - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a new report requested by Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Chair of the Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight Subcommittee, which examines efforts by the National Institute of Standards and Technology's National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education program. This program works to promote and coordinate cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development.

"Bolstering our cyber defenses and protecting our critical infrastructure requires a robust cybersecurity workforce," said Senator Hassan. "I am pleased that the GAO report shows that the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education is making progress on strengthening our cybersecurity workforce, and I urge it to implement GAO’s recommendations to ensure that the program is working well.”

Key highlights from the GAO report include that the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education:

  • Has taken key steps to bolster the cybersecurity workforce
  • Is effectively utilizing public-private partnerships as part of its efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce
  • Should implement clear performance metrics to improve its work

As Chair of the Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight Subcommittee, Senator Hassan is leading efforts to strengthen local, state, and federal cybersecurity. The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee recently advanced Senator Hassan’s bipartisan bill to improve cybersecurity workforce development by establishing two pilot programs: a cybersecurity apprenticeship program and a cybersecurity training program for veterans. In addition, Senator Hassan successfully helped pass into law her measure to create a Cybersecurity Coordinator in every state to help facilitate information sharing on cybersecurity best practices and response strategies. The bipartisan infrastructure law included Senator Hassan’s measure to create a state and local cybersecurity grant program.

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