FCC Rolls Out New Program to Understand Schools, Libraries’ Cybersecurity Needs

A new program will help the Federal Communications Commission to better understand the cybersecurity of K–12 schools and libraries, a frequent target by hackers. 

On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission announced a three-year, $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, an effort that will provide the agency with valuable data to guide its investments in support of the cybersecurity of schools and libraries in the country. The program is expected to raise about $200 million worth of funds that will be made available to eligible organizations to cover the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment, the FCC said.

The pilot program us modeled after the Connected Care Pilot Program and is part of FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel‘s Learn Without Limits initiative, which ensures connectivity in schools and libraries across the country.

Rosenworcel first unveiled the program in July 2023, highlighting the need for vital institutions to improve their cybersecurity amid the rising number and sophistication of cyber incidents.