Gavin Newsom's administration has announced its latest action on artificial intelligence with the creation of the statewide AI Cyber Defense Program.
In an announcement Monday morning, Gov. Newsom outlined the need for bolstered cyber defenses across state assets and critical infrastructure in light of the exponential growth and nefarious use of AI to further cyber attacks.
State agencies are being directed to establish AI Cyber Defense Programs within the California Cybersecurity Integration Center and to designate “AI cybersecurity officers” across all agencies.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming both the opportunities and the risks in government cybersecurity. California is taking a proactive approach — harnessing AI to strengthen our defenses while preparing for the emerging threats these technologies can create,” Government Operations Agency Secretary Nick Maduros said in the announcement.
The new direction is not limited to state government entities and also includes expanded access to “advanced cybersecurity capabilities for local governments and critical infrastructure partners, including AI-enabled defenses.”
“This initiative will help state agencies, local governments and critical infrastructure partners better detect, prevent and respond to cyber incidents, ensuring the essential services Californians rely on remain secure, resilient and reliable,” Maduros continued in the release.
The Newsom administration has been aggressive in its approach toward AI use in government and safeguarding against its misuse everywhere else. In 2023, the governor signed Executive Order N-12-23, which directed agencies to assess the threat and find use cases for the new technology, and in 2026, he signed N-5-26, which directed agencies to review state AI procurement and supply chain issues.
“This new program will help [the Governor's Office of Emergency Services] and our partners detect threats sooner, share information more efficiently, strengthen defenses and respond faster, helping keep these critical services safe and reliable for communities across California,” California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director and state Homeland Security Advisor Caroline Thomas Jacobs said in the release.
California Announces New Statewide AI Cyber Defense Program
Gov. Gavin Newsom is once again directing agencies to take action on artificial intelligence, this time focused on bolstering cybersecurity and adding new leadership to agency ranks.
