ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the state's cybersecurity grant plan.
According to the governor's office, nearly $6 million in Federal funding will be used to help local organizations reduce their cyber risk and build cyber resiliency.
The funding will be used to obtain cybersecurity tools, resources scholarships and training. Eighty percent of the grants will be given to local governments and the remaining will be allocated to groups in rural areas.
“A cyberattack can halt an entire community, and it’s essential that local governments have the resources and information needed to protect themselves and quickly respond to a cyber threat,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will provide tools to help municipalities secure critical infrastructure to protect New Yorkers and reduce cyber risks.”
“New York is continuing to take decisive action to bolster cybersecurity statewide. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, and through our partnership with President Biden and Congress, New York is investing in a safer and more resilient cyber future for our communities," said New York State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern.
The state will obtain the software, hardware and services and then deliver them to the organizations.
During the first year, the state will help local governments build a baseline of cybersecurity. These initiatives are:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is a method to authenticate a user that requires them to provide two or more verification factors so they can gain access to a resource. New York will provide hardware and/or software tokens and professional services that eligible entities can use to implement MFA in their technology environments.
- Cybersecurity Certification Scholarship: New York will provide scholarships for select employees from eligible entities who currently have roles or responsibilities related to information technology, information security, cybersecurity, data privacy, and/or data security to achieve an industry-recognized cybersecurity certification.
- Cybersecurity Awareness Training: New York will provide an online cybersecurity awareness training for eligible entities for their employees.
"The threat posed by cyber-attacks continues to grow each year, making it critical we ensure our local partners have access to the cyber security services necessary to keep data and critical infrastructure safe. By utilizing a shared service model, we are making it easier for local governments to obtain key products that are essential in helping keep our communities safe from cyber criminals," New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said.
Those entities that are eligible can complete the SLCGP Interest Form. A formal application process will beginlater this year. Application information is available on the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Grant Programs webpage.
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