H.R. 5079: Widespread Information Management for the Welfare of Infrastructure and Government Act

The Widespread Information Management for the Welfare of Infrastructure and Government Act, also known as H.R. 5079, seeks to reauthorize and update the Cybersecurity Act of 2015. Here’s what the bill entails in simple terms:

1. Cybersecurity Act Reauthorization

The bill aims to renew the provisions of the Cybersecurity Act of 2015. This act originally established frameworks for sharing cybersecurity information between the federal government and private-sector entities, particularly those involved in critical infrastructure.

2. Updates to Definitions

It includes updates to specific definitions within the cybersecurity context, such as:

• Artificial Intelligence: Defined as per the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020.
• Critical Infrastructure: Defined in context with the Patriot Act regulations.
• Sector Risk Management Agency: Defined in relation to its roles under the Department of Homeland Security.

3. Information Sharing Improvements

The bill expands the capabilities for federal entities to provide technical assistance to non-federal organizations regarding cybersecurity measures. This includes:

• The federal government will maintain the ability to help entities use cybersecurity threat indicators and defensive measures effectively.
• It emphasizes the requirement to regularly update procedures and guidance related to cyber threats.

4. Focus on Outreach

The legislation mandates outreach initiatives aimed at ensuring small or rural critical infrastructure operators are informed and capable of sharing cyber threat indicators. This outreach will include:

• Information on how to share cyber indicators and defensive measures.
• Guidance on personal information protection when sharing these indicators.
• The benefits of timely information sharing for enhanced cybersecurity.

5. Inclusion of Artificial Intelligence

There is a specific mention of the utilization of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity purposes. It establishes that any AI used for these purposes should not be limited in its application under the bill's provisions.

6. Reporting and Updating Cybersecurity Threats

The bill requires regular reporting on cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities, including:

• Detailed reports to Congress every two years.
• Specific mention of threats such as ransomware and prepositioning activities related to cybersecurity.

7. Amendments for Clarity and Expansion

Various amendments are proposed to clarify and expand existing sections. This includes enhancing the ability of federal agencies to work with state and local governments on cybersecurity issues and revising terms to ensure comprehensiveness in threat analysis and response measures.

8. Enhanced Legal Protections

The bill also seeks to improve legal protections for entities sharing threat indicators and defensive measures, ensuring that they are not held liable for sharing information that may inadvertently include sensitive data.

9. Implementation Timeline

It includes provisions for an extended effective period for the reauthorized act until 2035, thus setting a long-term framework for cybersecurity management.

Relevant Companies

• MSFT - Microsoft: As a major player in cybersecurity and cloud services, any changes in federal cybersecurity policy may affect their compliance and services offered to federal agencies.
• GOOGL - Alphabet: With their extensive data infrastructure and involvement in AI, they may need to adjust their cybersecurity practices according to new federal guidelines.
• IBM - International Business Machines: Known for its cybersecurity solutions, IBM could be directly impacted in how it collaborates with government entities under the new regulations.
• ORCL - Oracle: As a provider of database solutions and cloud services, Oracle may need to revise their security frameworks to align with the reauthorized act.