Dec 9, 2022
Elias Coop-Gonzales is the Delegate-elect for the 67th District in the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing Randolph and Pendleton counties.
From Black Friday to Cyber Monday and beyond, millions of Americans will open up their laptops or scroll on their phones to make purchases over the next few weeks. We will click links, enter our credit card information and not think twice.
Today, Americans benefit from a robust cyber security system that makes online purchasing a nearly stress-free situation. Unfortunately, anti-tech proposals floating around Congress could put America’s edge in cyber security at risk.
According to data from Adobe Analytics, on Cyber Monday in 2020 a record $10.8 billion was spent online by the end of the day. This record-breaking amount shows the sheer magnitude that online shopping has grown to. From big box stores to mom-and-pop shops, these online sales play an important part in helping grow our economy.
During the pandemic, many businesses were forced to close their doors and even more small businesses moved their shops online. Those online shops are now for many companies, the greatest source of sales.
A boutique in Elkins may now use social media as their primary marketing tool. E-commerce sites can serve as a virtual shop for budding entrepreneurs. The internet has become the great equalizer for businesses across West Virginia.
And during the holiday season, as sales increase cyberattacks could significantly increase too. One U.K.-based cybersecurity company found that in 2021 there was a 30 percent increase in the number of cyberattacks during the holidays compared to other months. More purchases, and now more stores operating online, means cyber security is more important than ever before.
Every day, tech companies across the country are working to innovate and expand their cyber protections services. As you shop online, the many internet companies and websites you interact with are working behind the scenes to make it a stress-free situation.
Breaches of security are not just painful for customers but also serve as serious threats to American businesses of all sizes.
Unfortunately, several anti-innovation proposals in Congress could put at risk American’s competitive edge in the world of cyber security. Customers across the country win when American leads.
It is because of this that several national and cyber security experts have even expressed their concerns with these anti-innovation proposals, calling on Congress not to hamper the ability of U.S. innovators to defend against cyberattacks. “In the face of these growing threats, U.S. policymakers must not inadvertently hamper the ability of U.S. technology platforms to counter increasing disinformation and cybersecurity risks.”
The world of cyber security is fast moving and ever changing, and tech companies must not be hamstrung by overbearing or arbitrary legislation when trying to innovate.
Legislation that hampers these tech companies puts their work on cyber security increasingly at risk. American tech companies must be able to freely innovate and lead the world in cyber security, allowing shoppers to scroll, click and purchase without worry.
Turning over the keys of cyber security to foreign adversaries means threatening the safety of every purchase made on Cyber Monday.
Let Americans shop with security this holiday season and in seasons to come, don’t let Cyber Monday 2022 be the last one we celebrate.
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