Compounding the magnitude of the threat is the lack of adequate cybersecurity funding for local governments. In fact, 64% of IT executives report inadequate funding, according to a Public Policy Institute poll.
In recognition of the threat landscape and resource challenges, the federal government is providing funding that local governments can use to improve their cybersecurity posture and resilience.
Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2022, the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) provides funding to eligible state, local, and territorial governments to address cybersecurity risks and threats to their information systems.
The program, launched in 2022, provided $374.9 for fiscal year 2023. Congress has authorized $300 million for fiscal year 2024 and $100 million for fiscal year 2025.
Funding flows through State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) to local governments, which are grant sub-recipients. If you have a project you are interested in funding, contact your applicable State Administrative Agency (SAA) point of contact.
Designed to Help Local Governments Reduce Risk
SLCGP is designed to assist local governments in managing and reducing systemic cybersecurity risk, with the goal of improving the security of critical infrastructure and the resilience of the services.
The program allows local governments to use funds for:
- Conducting cybersecurity assessments and audits
- Implementing cybersecurity best practices and standards
- Purchasing cybersecurity tools and equipment
- Hiring and training cybersecurity staff
- Establishing or enhancing cybersecurity operations centers
- Developing or updating cybersecurity plans and strategies
- Participating in cybersecurity information sharing and analysis organizations
- Responding to and recovering from cybersecurity incidents
Making the Most of Funding
However, applying for and receiving SLCGP funds is only the first step in enhancing your cybersecurity. Partnering with a reliable, experienced cybersecurity provider can help you use funds more effectively.
That's where Tyler Technologies comes in.
Tyler Technologies is a leading cybersecurity provider specializing in serving local governments. Tyler has a comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity solutions and services that can help protect your network, data, and operations from cyberattacks.
Tyler provides:
- Managed Detection & Response: A service that monitors your network 24/7, detects and analyzes cyberthreats, and responds to and contains incidents
- Continuous Vulnerability Scanning: A service that provides ongoing scans of your network to identify known vulnerabilities, unpatched systems, zero-day threats, and outdated operating systems
- Technical Testing: A service that performs vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify and exploit the weaknesses in your network and systems, and provides recommendations for remediation
- Cybersecurity Consulting: A service that provides expert guidance and advice on various aspects of cybersecurity, such as policy development, risk management, compliance, governance, and awareness
- Training and Email Phishing: A service that educates staff on best practices and tests knowledge and behavior through simulated phishing campaigns
By working with Tyler Technologies, you can leverage SLCGP funds to:
- Improve cybersecurity maturity and readiness
- Reduce cybersecurity risks and costs
- Increase cybersecurity confidence and trust
- Enhance cybersecurity performance and value
- https://www.nascio.org/resource-center/resources/state-cio-top-ten-policy-and-technology-priorities-for-2023/
- https://fusionlp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PTI-Cybersecurity-Survey-Results-1123.pdf
- Funding contacts: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/state-local-cybersecurity-grant-program#contacts
- FAQs: www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/2023-08-03_FY-2023_SLCGP_NOFO_FAQs_CISA_FEMA_FINAL_508.pdf
- State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program | FEMA.gov
- State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program | CISA
