New York funds seek to bolster cybersecurity initiatives

New York state officials are espousing the benefits of $35.2 million in new funding in support of statewide cybersecurity enhancements.

“The frequency, magnitude, and impact of cyber-attacks have increased, but we will continue to take bold measures to secure and protect New York’s critical infrastructure,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “The Industrial Control Systems assessment team, coupled with record investments, will support physical security and cybersecurity assessment programs to help facilities improve their cybersecurity posture, creating a safer and more secure Empire State.”

The funding allotment will be used to expand shared services to local governments as a means of aiding in identifying security gaps that could be potentially exploited by an adversary. The efforts build on legislation protecting against cyber threats to New York’s energy grid recently signed by Hochul.

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will establish an unprecedented industrial control system assessment team to help protect statewide critical infrastructure and manufacturing systems.

“As the threats to our digital infrastructure continue to evolve and grow in sophistication, it is more important than ever that we invest in the resources to protect New Yorkers from cyber threats,” New York State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern said. “Gov. Hochul’s continued leadership will help ensure that New York’s critical infrastructure grows more resilient against these threats.”

New York State Chief Information Officer Angelo “Tony” Riddick said the investments in cybersecurity advanced by Hochul will build on the progress made in the last year by establishing the New York State Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC) and implementing endpoint detection technology for awareness and action.