Various recent cyber attacks have sparked a commitment from tech giants Google, Apple and Microsoft amongst others to significantly invest in cyber security updates and upgrades.
A summit held last week in Washington, D.C. at the White House, attended by President Joe Biden, follows several high-profile cyber attacks including on government software contractor SolarWinds and oil pipeline company Colonial Pipeline.
The attacks brought the need for a review and renewed commitments for improved security into sharp focus – business leaders across sectors including tech and insurance to software development and e-commerce have committed billions of dollars towards various initiatives including:
- Exploring, developing and implementing new standards
- Supplying a broader range of security tools to a wider base of businesses
- Providing skills training to fill approximately 500 000 unfilled U.S-based cybersecurity jobs
Biden has also signed an executive order requiring US agencies to use two-factor authentication for logins, a primary step in cyber safety.
Key security commitments from the major players are as follows:
Apple
- develop a program devoted to making security improvements across their technology supply chains, including working with suppliers to adopt multifactor authentication and security training.
- $10-million investment over five years to strengthen cybersecurity
- a pledge to train 100 000 Americans in technical fields such as IT support and data analytics through its Career Certificate program.
Microsoft
- $20 billion over five years to deliver more advanced security tools
- invest $150 million to help government agencies upgrade their security systems and expand cybersecurity training partnerships.
IBM
- train more than 150,000 people in cybersecurity skills in three years
- partnering with historically Black colleges and universities to help diversify the workforce
Amazon Web Services
- will give account holders free multifactor authentication devices to better secure their data.
- will offer “Security Awareness training” to organizations and individuals.
For general internet and online business tool users, as well as owners of e-commerce sites the developments are positive, signalling a move towards a far more robust digital environment for all.
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