The "American Cybersecurity Literacy Act," introduced as H.R. 2154 in the 119th Congress, marks a significant effort to enhance public knowledge and awareness about cybersecurity risks in the United States. Proposed by Representatives Obernolte and McClellan, the bill aims to establish a nationwide campaign to educate citizens on best practices for preventing and mitigating cybersecurity threats.

General Summary

At its core, H.R. 2154 seeks to increase cybersecurity literacy among Americans, which is considered crucial for national security and economic interests. The bill mandates the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to launch a campaign that informs the public on a wide range of cybersecurity topics. These include recognizing phishing attempts, using secure websites, changing default passwords, and adopting security measures like multi-factor authentication. Additionally, the bill aims to educate about risks associated with various devices and public Wi-Fi networks.

Significant Issues

Several issues arise from the bill's language and structure:

1. Vague Commitments: The bill's "Sense of Congress" section employs general terms such as "national security and economic interest," which lack specific legislative action, potentially leading to ambiguity in implementation.

2. Funding Ambiguity: The bill does not delineate a budget or funding allocations for the cybersecurity literacy campaign, raising concerns about the feasibility and scope of the initiative.

3. Broad Device Categorization: The phrase "any other device that can be connected to the internet" is overly broad, which might complicate efforts to provide targeted and meaningful guidance.

4. Terminology Clarity: Terms like "trusted vendors or sources" might require additional clarification to ensure the public receives reliable and consistent advice.

5. Language Accessibility: By stating that resources shall be made available in multiple languages "if practicable," there is potential for uneven implementation, which might not fully serve non-English speaking communities.

6. Lack of Timelines: The absence of specific timelines for the campaign's roll-out and completion could impede the assessment of progress and accountability.

Public Impact

If well-implemented, the bill has the potential to significantly improve cybersecurity awareness among the general public, leading to safer personal and professional digital practices. By promoting practices like multi-factor authentication and regular software updates, the campaign could reduce the incidence of cyberattacks, benefiting both individuals and businesses nationwide.

Impact on Stakeholders

• General Public: For everyday citizens, the bill promises to provide essential knowledge that can safeguard personal information and digital footprints. However, its success relies heavily on effective communication and execution.

• Businesses: Corporations and small businesses could experience a decrease in cybersecurity incidents as employees and customers become more cyber-aware, potentially reducing costs associated with data breaches and other cyber-related damages.

• Non-English Speakers: Without a clear commitment to providing resources in multiple languages, non-English speaking communities might not reap the full benefits of the campaign, potentially widening existing knowledge gaps.

• Government Agencies: The bill positions agencies such as the Department of Commerce at the forefront of a critical national campaign, challenging them to execute the initiative efficiently and comprehensively across diverse populations.

In summary, while H.R. 2154 presents a valuable opportunity to enhance cybersecurity education, the bill's effectiveness will depend on addressing its vague provisions, ensuring adequate funding, and striving for clear, inclusive communication strategies.