Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026

Jun 24, 2026

Summary

Directs the government's main watchdog to study how well federal programs help small businesses protect themselves from online threats and cyberattacks.

What problem does this solve?

Many federal programs exist to help small businesses with cybersecurity, but it's unclear if they are effective or if businesses even know about them. This bill orders a study to find out what works and how to improve these government services.

What does this bill do?

Mandates a GAO study on cybersecurity help

Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a detailed study of all federal programs that help small businesses with cybersecurity.

Defines the scope of the cybersecurity study

Specifies the study must look at how programs help businesses identify risks, prepare for attacks, recover from incidents, and find money for security upgrades.

Requires a report to Congress

The Comptroller General must submit a report with the study's findings to the House and Senate committees on small business.

Prohibits new funding

States that no new money is authorized to be spent to carry out the requirements of this act.

Who does this affect?

Small business owners
Federal agencies

What is the real world impact?

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Improves federal support for small businesses

Aims to make federal cybersecurity programs more effective and easier for small businesses to use by identifying weaknesses and areas for improvement.

When does this start?

The requirement to conduct the study would take effect when the bill becomes law.