Statement by Bill Davenport, Senior Director, Spectrum & Technology Policy, Government Affairs:

Nearly every day, a school or library in the United States experiences a cyberattack. Hackers are stealing the most sensitive personal information-including Social Security numbers, payroll data, and even psychological records-from these institutions at the heart of our communities. Although schools are doing their best to stay protected in today's hyper-connected world, their resources are stretched thin and public cybersecurity funding is limited.

Security is fundamental to connectivity, and the proposed K-12 cybersecurity pilot program announced today by U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is a positive step forward in addressing this 21st-century challenge. By investing in cybersecurity services for eligible K-12 schools and libraries, the FCC can modernize the E-Rate program that has successfully connected so many classrooms to high-speed wireless internet.

Cisco applauds the chairwoman's leadership and looks forward to working with the commission and other stakeholders to ensure school districts have the cybersecurity tools they need to protect their networks, students, and teachers.