As mentioned in a previous BOLDplanning blog post, state, local, and territorial governments are especially vulnerable to information technology (IT) threats. These include malware, ransomware, distributed denial of service (DDoS), spam, and phishing, all of which can be troublesome, if not costly, to counter. Acutely aware of the current IT threat environment, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a first-of-its-kind cybersecurity grant program.
A funding notice (with $185 million available) was released and the application period for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program opened on September 13, 2022.
Over the next 60 days, states and their territories will have the time to finalize their cybersecurity planning committees and draft their cybersecurity plans for approval by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA will serve as subject matter experts, or SMEs, in reviewing and approving cybersecurity plans and investments for funding. FEMA will provide grant administration and oversight for the appropriated funds.
If necessary, entities may submit a request to extend the time required to prepare their cybersecurity plans.
For more information and helpful resources on the new cybersecurity program geared toward state, local, and territorial governments, visit CISA.gov. A version of this grant program specifically for tribal governments will be announced later this year.
In the meantime, consider BOLDplanning, a division of Agility, as a potential partner in preparedness, including cybersecurity. The company has over 10,000 continuity, emergency, and hazard mitigation plans under its belt and has now joined forces with Risk Solutions International LLC (RSI) to provide consulting services and IT disaster recovery (ITDR) planning for the public sector.
