16.64 Elements of Defense: Computer Employee Exemption is a section of the U.S. Federal Cybersecurity Law which provides cybersecurity protections for organizations that employ computer professionals. This exemption covers a range of activities, including the use of software and hardware to protect systems and data from malicious actors, the maintenance of policies and procedures to better protect systems and data, and the maintenance of an appropriate level of security awareness among personnel. This exemption applies to any organization that employs computer professionals, regardless of size, location, or industry. There are two types of 16.64 Elements of Defense: Computer Employee Exemption: Exempt Status and Qualified Professional Status. Exempt Status applies to organizations that employ computer professionals who are trained and certified in cybersecurity. Qualified Professional Status applies to organizations that employ computer professionals who can demonstrate a minimum level of cybersecurity knowledge and experience.