The announcements were made by the White House after a cybersecurity meeting held by US President Joe Biden with representatives of Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Apple, and other tech majors
Google will invest $10bn, while Microsoft will contribute $20bn for helping the US strengthen its cybersecurity. (Credit: VIN JD from Pixabay)
The White House said that Google and Microsoft have committed an investment of $30bn over the next five years for strengthening the cybersecurity efforts of the US.
Google will invest $10bn, while Microsoft has agreed to spend $20bn to help the US address the increasing cybersecurity threats.
The announcements were made following a cybersecurity meeting held by US President Joe Biden with representatives of Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM and other tech majors.
Google will invest the amount for expanding zero-trust programmes, securing the software supply chain, and boosting open-source security.
Besides, the internet company pledged to help 100,000 Americans earn industry-recognised digital skills certificates that offer the knowledge for leading secure high-paying, high-growth jobs.
On its part, Microsoft said that its investment will help expedite efforts to integrate cybersecurity by design and for providing advanced security solutions.
Microsoft will also make available $150m with immediate effect in the form of technical services. This will help federal, state, and regional governments with upgrading security protection.
The tech giant will also expand cybersecurity training partnerships with non-profits and community colleges.
The White House stated: “Cybersecurity is a national security and economic security imperative for the Biden Administration and we are prioritising and elevating cybersecurity like never before.”
The President’s office revealed that close to half a million public and private cybersecurity jobs are yet to be filled.
In May 2021, Biden signed an executive order aimed at increasing the country’s cybersecurity amid rising incidents of cyberattacks. Biden at that time said that the government has to work together with the private sector to safeguard the US from harmful cyber actors.
Apart from Google and Microsoft, other private companies have announced initiatives to help in the country’s efforts to strengthen its defence against cyberattacks.
Amazon said that it will launch two new cybersecurity initiatives to help protect organisations and individuals. These include the Amazon Security Awareness and Multi-factor Authentication initiatives.
Apple announced that it will set up a new programme to drive continuous security improvements right across the technology supply chain. Another tech major, IBM committed to training 150,000 people in cybersecurity skills during the next three years.