Cybersecurity Policy Report, Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Improve Cyber Resources for Small Businesses, (Aug 11, 2026)
Legislation that would direct the Government Accountability Office to assess the federal resources available for small businesses facing cyber threats has been introduced by Sens. Adam Schiff (D., Calif.) and Todd Young (R., Ind.).
The Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act (S.B. 5291, 119th Cong. (2026)) would require GAO to evaluate the effectiveness of “Federal cybersecurity initiatives, programs, resources, tools, and services” available to small businesses and recommend ways to improve them, according to its text.
“As small businesses face a growing threat of cyberattacks and phishing schemes, we must give them the tools they need to stop hacks and lower their risk. Our bipartisan legislation will improve federal cybersecurity resources to help small businesses mitigate their cybersecurity vulnerabilities,” Sen. Schiff said in a news release.
“Small businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, but too many owners don’t know where to turn for help,” Sen. Young said. “This commonsense legislation will identify gaps, improve coordination, and ensure small businesses have access to the tools they need to defend themselves from evolving cyber threats. When small businesses are better protected, they can spend less time responding to cyberattacks and more time creating jobs and growing our economy.”
A companion bill (HR 8880) introduced by Reps. Lateefah Simon (D., Calif.) and Rob Bresnahan (R., Pa.) cleared the House by voice vote in June (CPR, June 24).
News: FederalLegislation DataSecurity