For the first time, New York laid out a range of high-level objectives for its cybersecurity and resilience this week, guided by Gov. Kathy Hochul and backed by $600 million in funding.
With the release of an official cybersecurity strategy, the state laid out various agencies’ roles and responsibilities, detailed how current and future initiatives and investments can form a unified digital security approach, and highlighted the bond between state, county and local governments. It followed a vocal commitment to cybersecurity highlighted by Hochul in her 2023 State of the State address, and $90 million planned for cybersecurity investment in the FY 2024 budget.
“Our interconnected world demands an interconnected defense leveraging every resource available,” Hochul said. “This strategy sets forth a nation-leading blueprint to ensure New York State stands ready and resilient in the face of cyber threats.”
The new strategy follows three core principles: unification, resilience and preparedness. Unification refers to working to increase access to cybersecurity information, tools and services for one and all. Resilience will focus on expanding the scope of cybersecurity regulations, requirements and recommendations for New York’s critical infrastructure. Lastly, preparedness will deal with related advice and guidance. As a whole, efforts will be administered by the New York State Chief Cyber Officer.
“Our vision for unification, resilience, and preparedness addresses the critical need for advanced resources and expertise across the state,” New York State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern said. “We’re ensuring that every New Yorker is equally protected from digital threats.”
This vision will also include $500 million provided for the enhancement of New York healthcare information technology and $7.4 million to expand the New York State Police’s Cyber Analysis Uit, Computer Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Center. At the same time, Hochul signed legislation to expand New York’s technology talent pool and offer funding for New York-based employers to be able to hire and retain necessary cybersecurity personnel.
According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), more than 25,000 New Yorkers were victims of cybercrimes in 2022, amounting to losses of $777 million.