New York providing cybersecurity resources to local governments

Local governments in New York will receive resources and assistance to counteract ransomware and other cyberattacks under a shared services program launched by the state on Thursday, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced.

The $30 million program is meant to aid local governments as many municipalities around the country have been targeted for cyberattacks in recent years.

“My administration is laser focused on providing cyber security resources for local governments,” Hochul said. “By launching this new $30 million program, we are bolstering the state’s capabilities to respond to the evolving threat of cyberattacks and strengthening our ability to protect New York’s institutions, infrastructure, citizens and public safety.”

Hochul’s administration previously announced the launch of the Joint Security Operations Center, a Brooklyn-based office that is meant to house multiple cybersecurity teams in a single office.

The initial cities taking part in the shared services progra arem Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester and Yonkers.

Those governments will receive CrowdStrike endpoint detection and response services for no cost. The technology provides for real-time monitoring of potential cybersecurity-related threats.

“We know local governments remain vulnerable to cyberattacks which can cripple critical systems that New Yorkers rely upon,” said Jackie Bray, the commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “As part of the governor’s shared services plan, we are now offering reliable protection services to every county in the state. This is an important step forward in enhancing our cyber defenses and building out our JSOC partnerships.”