The Federal Communications Commission is providing up to $200 million to help schools and libraries make their computer systems more secure.
The cybersecurity pilot program for schools and libraries will be used for the evaluation whether this type of program should be funded on a more permanent basis. The funding will come through a pool of money called the Universal Service Fund (USF), made up of contributions from telecommunications companies. Schools and libraries participating in the program can be reimbursed for things like advanced firewalls, identity protection and authentication services, malware protection, and VPNs.
The pilot program is available to schools and libraries eligible for the FCC's E-Rate program, another USF initiative to provide affordable internet access. The FCC expects to open the application process in the fall and plans to select a mix of schools in terms of size and rural/urban schools. The agency says it will place an emphasis on funding projects from low-income and tribal applicants.