President Trump Calls for $11 Billion to Enhance Cybersecurity in 2020 Federal Budget Proposal
The proposed 2020 federal budget released by the White House today includes a significant request from President Donald Trump for nearly $11 billion to be allocated towards improving cybersecurity measures.
Focus on Integration and Scaling Artificial Intelligence
The budget document emphasizes the need to integrate efforts and operationalize the US cyber strategy, with a focus on scaling artificial intelligence throughout the department. Cybersecurity is highlighted multiple times in the 150-page document, covering various aspects of national security across different sectors.
Allocation of Funds
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DoD) would receive the bulk of the funding for cybersecurity initiatives. The DoD is set to receive nearly $10 billion to advance its top three cyber missions, which include safeguarding networks, supporting military commanders, and defending the nation.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Ensuring the security of the nation’s critical infrastructure, especially in the energy sector, remains a top priority. The budget allocates over $156 million for the office of cybersecurity, energy security, and emergency response to enhance cybersecurity programs across the energy sector.
Enhancing DHS Cybersecurity Efforts
Over $1 billion is earmarked for DHS’s cybersecurity efforts, including increasing the number of network risk assessments and enhancing tools and services such as EINSTEIN and Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation programs to reduce cybersecurity risks to federal IT networks.
Building a Skilled Cybersecurity Workforce
In recognition of the need for a skilled cybersecurity workforce, part of the funding will be used to train new cybersecurity professionals. DHS plans to hire at least 150 cybersecurity employees by the end of 2020 to better compete with the private sector for cyber talent.