The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at enhancing cyber resilience within state and local governments. This move comes in response to a series of devastating ransomware attacks that have targeted the sector in recent months. The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), now in its second year, will allocate approximately $375 million to empower state, local, and territorial governments to fortify their cybersecurity measures against various cyber threats.
Furthermore, the SLCGP, a part of a larger $1 billion fund spanning four years, is dedicated to bolstering cyber resilience efforts at the grassroots level. The program, overseen by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is focused on defending state and local governments against ransomware attacks and other cyber threats. The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the fact that nearly all states and territories, except for two, have already applied for a portion of the initial year’s $185 million allocation.
Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the critical importance of fortifying cyber defenses across communities, regardless of their size or resources, to protect residents and critical infrastructure. He urged communities across the nation to take advantage of these cybersecurity grants to enhance their resilience.
At the same time, the newly available funds can be utilized for a wide range of cybersecurity investments, including planning, exercising, and recruitment of personnel with cyber expertise.
As the threat of cyberattacks continues to escalate, this funding aims to provide essential tools and support to strengthen collective cybersecurity and safeguard essential services.
