Legislation Introduced to Safeguard Biotechnology Data and Infrastructure

• •Bipartisan bills introduced to protect biotechnology infrastructure and data.
• •CISA will oversee security protocols for genetic and biometric information.
• •Legislation responds to increasing cyber threats targeting the biotechnology sector.

On October 3, 2026, bipartisan legislation was introduced to protect biotechnology infrastructure and sensitive biological data from cyber threats. The Protecting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing as Critical Infrastructure Act and the Protecting Biological Data as Critical Infrastructure Act aim to designate facilities handling genetic and biometric information as critical infrastructure. The legislation mandates the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to develop coordinated security protocols with industry stakeholders. This move addresses vulnerabilities in biotechnology, which is vital for national security and economic stability. Representatives Scott Peters, Ro Khanna, and Stephanie Bice emphasized the importance of safeguarding biological data, which is increasingly targeted by malicious actors. The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology has warned that these threats will continue to grow. The legislation seeks to ensure the U.S. maintains its leadership in biotechnology amidst rising cyber threats.