麻州將動用910萬元聯邦經費 加強州及地方市鎮網路安全

(Boston Orange編譯)麻州政府2月9日宣佈，將撥發910萬元聯邦補助款，加強全州公共機構的網路安全，減少系統性的網路風險。申請截止日期為3月8日。

地方政府網路安全補助計畫 (The Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program)將投資7,289,717美元進入城鎮、區域學區和其他地區當局等的地方機構。單一申請人最多可申請 10 萬美元，而多個地方政府可聯合申請最多 30 萬美元。

州政府機構可以經由麻州分享網路安全補助計畫來申請總額1,822,429 美元的經費，申請人可以申請最高 100,000 美元。

麻州州長奚莉說，「網路安全威脅的複雜性和頻率不斷增加。麻州必須實施智慧網路安全策略並調整系統以適應當前情況。」， 「這些補助計畫將為州及地方政府機構提供資源，以有效因應網路事故，並從中恢復。

麻州副州長Kim Driscoll說，「這些計劃使我們能夠實現全州的安全目標。沒有任何一個機構能夠單獨實現這些目標；今天啟動的計劃將支持州和市機構實施新舉措，以創建一個更安全的麻州」。

補助和研究辦公室 (OGR) 以及公共安全和安保執行辦公室 (EOPSS) 與技術服務和安全執行辦公室 (EOTSS) 和 麻州網路中心(MassCyber​​Center) 合作，提供補助資金來支持麻州的網路安全措施。

聯邦資金是透過國土安全部網路安全和基礎設施安全局 (CISA) 和聯邦緊急事務管理局 (FEMA) 提供的州和地方網路安全撥款計劃授予的。作為馬薩諸塞州從這些聯邦機構收到的贈款資金的州行政機構，OGR 負責管理和管理贈款。

麻州網路安全規劃委員會是根據聯邦補助條款成立的，指導麻州、地方市鎮以及其他公共實體，那些網路安全活動是允許的。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Over $9.1 Million in Funds Available to Strengthen Cybersecurity for State, Local Systems

Program Enhances Ability to Address and Protect Against Cybersecurity Threats

BRAINTREE — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that more than $9.1 million in federal grant funds will be made available to strengthen cybersecurity and reduce systemic cyber risk for public agencies statewide.

The Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program will invest $7,289,717  into local agencies, including cities and towns, regional school districts and other regional authorities. Single applicants may apply for up to $100,000 in funding, while multiple municipalities may jointly apply for up to $300,000.

State agencies can apply for funding through the State Share Cybersecurity Grant Program. A total of $1,822,429 is being made available, and applicants may request a maximum award of $100,000.

“Cybersecurity threats continue to increase in sophistication and frequency. In this ever-changing digital world, we must implement smart cybersecurity strategies and adapt our systems to meet the moment,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grant programs will provide state and local agencies with resources to effectively respond to and recover from a cyber-incident.”

“These programs allow us to meet our security objectives across the state. No one agency can achieve these goals alone; the programs launched today will support state and municipal agencies as they implement new initiatives to create a more secure Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) partnered with the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) and the MassCyberCenter to make grant funds available to support cybersecurity initiatives across Massachusetts.

The federal funds were awarded through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, offered by the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As the State Administrative Agency for grant funds received by Massachusetts from these federal agencies, OGR is responsible for managing and administering the grant.

In accordance with terms of the federal grant award, the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee was formed to guide allowable cybersecurity activities for the Commonwealth, its municipalities, and other public entities.

“In every conversation I have with a municipal leader, cybersecurity is a top concern, but they either do not have the dedicated personnel or funding to implement the most impactful best practices.  Our state agencies and municipal governments will greatly benefit from this grant program, which strengthens the cybersecurity posture from a whole-of-state approach and makes the services we deliver to residents more secure,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Snyder, who as the Commonwealth’s Chief Information Office chairs the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee.

“Massachusetts is a global leader in innovation. Our adoption of advanced technology has vastly improved the Government’s ability to deliver more effective and efficient services to our constituents,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy. “Those same innovations have also exposed our operational systems and sensitive data to significant risk. I encourage eligible entities to pursue this funding opportunity and strengthen our collective defense against evolving digital threats.”

“This cross-secretariat collaboration is key to achieving our cybersecurity goals at the state and local level,” said Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Security Susan Terrey, the Commonwealth’s Homeland Security Advisory and vice-chair of the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee. “These grant opportunities reflect our commitment to enhancing cybersecurity, safeguarding infrastructure, building statewide cyber-resiliency and, above all, protecting our communities from harm.”  

“By securing these grant funds for the Commonwealth, we’re able to address some of our most immediate cybersecurity priorities,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton. “These programs allow us to partner with state and municipal leaders to promote enhanced cybersecurity preparedness and responses, helping ensure the security of the Commonwealth and its communities.”

Applications for both grant programs are due March 8, 2024.

Interested municipalities and state agencies can learn more about the application process during upcoming webinars offered by OGR. Additional information, webinar registration links and application materials are available by visiting the Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program page and State Share Cybersecurity Grant Program page of OGR’s website.