DHS Unlocks $279.9M for FY24 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the availability of $279.9 million in grant funding for the Fiscal Year 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). Now entering its third year, the program aims to bolster the cybersecurity posture of state, local, and territorial (SLT) governments across the nation.

Established under the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act and as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the SLCGP provides approximately $1 billion over four years to support SLT governments in developing capabilities to detect, protect against, and respond to cyber threats. The program reflects a growing recognition of the cybersecurity challenges faced by communities at all levels.

“In the modern threat landscape, every community can—and too often does—face sophisticated cyberattacks on vital systems like hospitals, schools, and electrical grids,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The Department of Homeland Security’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program empowers key intergovernmental partners with the tools and support necessary to increase resilience and better secure critical infrastructure.”

The program is jointly administered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). CISA provides expertise and guidance on cybersecurity issues, while FEMA manages the grant award and allocation process. Award recipients may use the funding for a wide range of cybersecurity improvements and capabilities, including cybersecurity planning and exercises, hiring cyber personnel, and enhancing services that citizens rely on daily.

While identity and access management are not explicitly mentioned in the DHS’s announcement, the grants could certainly support the implementation of stronger authentication measures. Strengthening authentication protocols is a fundamental aspect of enhancing cybersecurity. Funds from the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program could be used to implement multi-factor authentication, upgrade identity and access management systems, and deploy other authentication technologies.

Other federal directives emphasize IAM’s importance, suggesting that the SLCGP should support such initiatives. Executive Order 14028, titled “Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity,” mandates federal agencies to enhance cybersecurity practices, including the adoption of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encryption. Although this order directly targets federal entities, it sets a precedent that can guide state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in strengthening their cybersecurity measures, aligning with the goals of the SLCGP. Additionally, CISA itself advocates for robust authentication practices like MFA to prevent unauthorized access.

“These cyber grants are an investment in the security of our nation’s infrastructure, helping to ensure that communities across the country have the tools they need to defend against cyberattacks,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “CISA is proud to offer the SLCGP, helping governments lay a solid foundation for building a sustainable and resilient cybersecurity program for the future.”

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell highlighted the collaborative effort between federal and local entities. “FEMA is committed to helping our partners address and withstand cybersecurity threats to both infrastructure and systems,” she said.

Eligible entities have until December 3, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET to apply for funds via FEMA GO.

Source: DHS

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September 27, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team