Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
Key points:
- State governments are using federal cybersecurity grants to establish shared services for local governments.
- New Hampshire received $2.5 million in cybersecurity grant funding to implement multifactor authentication.
In a recent article in StateTech Magazine, it was reported that state governments are utilizing federal cybersecurity grants to fund shared services for local governments. The $1 billion State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) has provided funds to states like New Hampshire, where CIO Denis Goulet is using the $2.5 million grant to establish shared services for local governments rather than distributing the funds directly to cities and towns.
One of the key services being implemented with the grant funding is multifactor authentication, a crucial technology for zero trust security. This project aims to provide hardware tokens and professional services to municipalities, special districts, and K-12 schools to enhance their cybersecurity measures.
Other states, such as Texas, are also following New Hampshire’s example and using federal grant funds to support shared services for local governments. By providing services like cybersecurity training, risk assessments, and endpoint detection, states are able to maximize the impact of the grant funds and promote a whole-of-government approach to cybersecurity.
Overall, the use of federal cybersecurity grants to fund shared services is seen as an effective way for state governments to collaborate with local agencies and enhance cybersecurity measures on a larger scale.
