"Bill Would Create Cyber Workforce Training Programs at CISA and VA"

The recently introduced bipartisan Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act aims to strengthen government cybersecurity by improving the cyber workforce through the creation of two new cybersecurity training programs. These programs include an apprenticeship program based out of the government’s central cybersecurity office, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and another at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department geared toward veterans. The legislation would require CISA to establish an apprenticeship program to prepare trainees for a position at CISA or a job with a company or other entity given that the job is certified by the director as contributing to the national cybersecurity of the U.S., and funded mostly through a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with the agency. VA would be required to create a veteran-focused program that offers virtual platforms for training, hands-on skills labs, federal work-based learning opportunities, and more. Both programs would be required to adhere to the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework, which sets standards for work roles and associated tasks, knowledge, and skills. Recent breaches that impacted the federal government and critical infrastructure sectors have prompted the introduction of this cybersecurity workforce legislation. This article further discusses the goals and requirements of the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act, and the importance of bolstering the cyber workforce.

NextGov reports "Bill Would Create Cyber Workforce Training Programs at CISA and VA"