New York State Announces $13.9 Million in Federal Funding for Cybersecurity Grants to Support Local Governments and Education System

Strategic Insights -

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the release of the combined FY2022 and FY2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Request for Applications (RFA) for eligible New York State entities to apply for Multi-Factor Authentication tokens. The RFA was developed to help reduce cyber risk and build cyber resiliency in local governments statewide. The $13.9 million in federal funding will provide hardware tokens and professional services to implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in technology environments. This investment aims to strengthen the statewide cybersecurity posture and safeguard the digital infrastructure that supports individuals, families, and communities in New York.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $13.9 million in federal funding will be used to provide hardware tokens and professional services for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) implementation in local governments.
  • The funding is part of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Request for Applications (RFA) developed to reduce cyber risk and build cyber resiliency in local governments statewide.
  • The RFA will enable public sector entities in New York to access sophisticated cyber defenses and strengthen their ability to respond to emerging threats.
  • Eligible entities include local governments, public authorities, and public institutions of higher education.
  • The State's Office of Information Technology Services will manage distribution and associated training and support for the recipients of the MFA tokens.
  • Governor Hochul's leadership has prioritized cybersecurity in New York, with initiatives including a nation-leading program to provide cybersecurity services to county and local government entities.
  • Eligible entities will be able to apply for the MFA tokens through the RFA, with the goal of implementing MFA in technology environments to reduce cyber risk.
  • Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of protecting New York's critical infrastructure.
  • State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez have also voiced their support for the grant program, highlighting the importance of protecting school districts and communities from cyber threats.

Statistics:

  • $13.9 million in federal funding will be used to support the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP).
  • Over $13.9 million in available funding through the federal State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program will be distributed through the RFA.
  • The number of public sector entities in New York that can benefit from the limited SLCGP funds is expected to be maximized through the direct procurement of MFA tokens by the State.

Sources:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul's Office, Press Release, dated [not specified]
  • State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Request for Applications (RFA)
  • New York State Office of Information Technology Services
  • Senator Charles Schumer's Office, Press Release, dated [not specified]
  • Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's Office, Press Release, dated [not specified]
  • State Senator Shelley B. Mayer's Office, Press Release, dated [not specified]
  • State Senator Kristen Gonzalez's Office, Press Release, dated [not specified]
  • New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen Acquario
  • Association of Towns Executive Director Christopher A. Koetzle
  • New York State Conference of Mayors Barbara Van Epps
  • New York State PTA Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky