FCC provides $200 million to protect schools and libraries from hackers

The Federal Communications Commission is giving up to $200 million to help make school and library computer systems more secure.

School and Library Cybersecurity Pilot Program used for evaluation Whether to fund these types of programs more permanently. the funds will come Through a funding pool called the Universal Service Fund (USF), which is made up of contributions from telecommunications companies. Schools and libraries participating in the program You can refund something like Advanced firewall, identity protection and authentication services, malware protection, and VPN.

The pilot program is available to schools and libraries eligible for the FCC’s E-Rate program, another USF effort to provide affordable internet access. The FCC said it plans to begin the application process this fall and plans to select a mix of schools based on size and rural and urban areas. The agency says it will focus on funding projects from low-income and tribal applicants.