DHS Secretary Mayorkas, Mayor Garcetti tour Los Angeles Cyber Lab

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti toured Thursday the Los Angeles Cyber Lab to receive a briefing on its operational capabilities.

The lab, funded by public-private partnerships, was established in 2017 by the Mayor’s office to better protect communities against cybercriminals.

“As cyber threats continue to evolve, we must adapt to ensure the resilience of our nation’s institutions and critical infrastructure,” Mayorkas said. “The federal government cannot do this alone. DHS is committed to strengthening its partnerships with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and private sector entities across the country. The LA Cyber Lab is a tremendous example of how public-private partnerships can make us all safer.”

In 2018, the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) awarded the LA Cyber Lab $3 million in grant funding to provide training on cyber hygiene best practices and increase cybersecurity awareness across the greater LA business and government community. The lab works with community stakeholders, including education partners, to provide technical training for those interested in cybersecurity careers.

“Cybersecurity threats are becoming more dangerous in cities across America, and thanks to Secretary Mayorkas and the Department of Homeland Security’s partnership, Los Angeles has created a national model for protecting infrastructure and supporting private business,” Garcetti said. “It was a privilege to host the Secretary at our Integrated Security Operations Center today and show him how L.A. is leading the way on this critical issue, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”