The Biden administration began accepting applications Friday for new state and local cybersecurity grants. It’s part of a new $1 billion cybersecurity grant program made possible by Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
States have until November 15 to apply for the money. Each state is eligible for a minimum of $2 million. States must dedicate 80% of grant funding to local and rural areas, plus at least 3% to tribal governments.
“The goal of this program is to address the enormous challenge that state, local and tribal and territorial governments currently face when defending against cyber threats,” White House adviser Mitch Landrieu said Thursday.
The intent is to “help cities and states and counties and small communities organize themselves and get their heads wrapped around the need for cybersecurity and seed money” he added.
“Cyberattacks have emerged as one of the most significant threats to our homeland,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “In response, we continue to strengthen our nation’s cybersecurity, including by resourcing state and local communities to build and enhance their cyber defenses. The cybersecurity grant process we are starting today is a vital step forward in this critical effort. Our approach is one of partnership, in the service of an all-of-society investment in the security of our homeland.”
The program will run for four years.
Read more at CISA.gov.