New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state would make more than $13.9 million in Infrastructure Act Grant funding available to eligible entities to apply for multi-factor authentication tokens.
Hochul said New York is accepting request for applications for the tokens, and that the RFA was developed to help reduce cyber risk and to build cyber resiliency in local governments across the state.
“From our bank accounts and social media to the critical infrastructure we rely on as a state, every facet of everyday life depends on a robust network of cybersecurity systems,” Hochul said. “I’m investing in modern cyber infrastructure and tools, so New York stays ahead of emerging threats and to ensure that every New Yorker feels secure in the systems they count on.”
The funding, made available through the federal State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, will expand access to cybersecurity tools, Hochul’s office said. Those tools will help public sector entities across the state gain access to cyber defenses. Part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the SLCGP was created to help entities in each state address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems. To ensure the maximum number of entities throughout the state can benefit from the SLCGP funds, the state will procure tokens for delivery to eligible entities, which will be distributed through the New York Office of Information Technology Services.
“Multi-factor authentication is one of the strongest defenses we have against online threats,” New York State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern said. “Government services are delivered increasingly by, with, and through computers and protecting them from damaging cyber-attacks has never been more important. With these investments, New York State is helping to reduce cyber risks and protecting New Yorkers from dangerous cyber-attacks.”