WORCESTER, Mass. –The MassCyberCenter has launched the Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program, a $1.4 million initiative to help local governments improve their cyber defenses. The program will provide municipalities with grants to fund narrowly focused cybersecurity technology upgrades identified through vulnerability assessments.
The Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program will better position municipalities to fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities and enable integrations with Security Operations Centers (SOC), teams of cybersecurity professionals who monitor and defend against incoming cyber threats.
This program was announced at the fourth annual Municipal Cybersecurity Summit at the DCU Center in Worcester on May 8. The Summit convened municipal leaders, first responders, utility providers and IT professionals to discuss important issues including how to mitigate threats, take advantage of statewide resources, and discover new tools that can help bolster cybersecurity defenses. The Summit also included a showcase of the CyberTrust Massachusetts SOC available for Massachusetts municipalities and a tabletop exercise workshop.
“We are committed to ensuring that every city and town has the most advanced tools to protect against cyberattacks ,” said Secretary Yvonne Hao, Executive Office of Economic Development. “Given the enormous importance of cyber resiliency, we are working around the clock to empower local leaders, strengthen our workforce, and upgrade technology to keep our communities safe.”
“We are confident that this program will strengthen cybersecurity statewide,” said John Petrozzelli, director, MassCyberCenter. “Every community has their own unique set of technical challenges, so we are taking a localized approach that addresses those challenges head on. With so many great community partners in attendance, the Summit was a perfect place to announce this program and bring visibility to other state and federal efforts aimed at enhancing local cyber defense.”
About the MassCyberCenter
The MassCyberCenter promotes Massachusetts cybersecurity ecosystem by working to build a strong cyber talent pipeline and to strengthen the defense of local communities. The MassCyberCenter works with cities, towns, universities and the private sector to build cyber awareness, institute best practices, leverage future workforce talent, and create a more powerful cyber defense force to guard against future threats. Learn more at https://masscybercenter.org/.
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