Thousands of cyber threats happen on a daily basis from both foreign and domestic sources. Broadband providers have worked to implement measures that protect their networks and their customers’ data from cyber-attacks, but there is no national standard for cybersecurity or defense against these attacks. A public-private partnership would allow the government to help synchronize best practices and standards already in effect in the private sector.  The Cybersecurity Act of 2012 aims to establish a streamlined cybersecurity environment without placing burdensome regulations over the technology sector.

The cybersecurity legislation, currently with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for consideration, must help the private sector thwart cyber-attacks, facilitate appropriate sharing of best practices information while protecting consumer privacy, and avoid interference with the industry’s flexibility to implement the measures they consider suitable to secure networks and protect customers.

The government has the ability to be a leader in research and development to help design and deploy hardware, software and policy defenses. The expertise of broadband companies who are on the front lines of cyber defense should not be discounted as policies are discussed.

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