EMS and 911 leadership encouraged to apply to bolster cybersecurity measures.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the establishment of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, made possible by funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With $185 million available for fiscal year 2022, the program provides opportunities for state, local, and territorial (SLT) governments to mitigate risks of cyberattacks against their information systems and delivery of essential emergency services. SLT governments can use this funding to implement more resilient cybersecurity measures to protect their communities.
Cyberattacks pose one of the greatest threats to the nation and EMS and 911 agencies are susceptible to these attacks. EMS agencies collect and store personal identifiable information, making them vulnerable to sensitive information theft. As 911 PSAPs are the critical link to deploying emergency response personnel, they are at risk of cyberattacks geared to impede the delivery of their essential services. EMS and 911 leadership are strongly encouraged to apply for this funding opportunity.
The Department of Homeland Security released the notice of funding opportunity application period on Sept. 16, 2022, and will remain open until Nov. 15, 2022. Applicants may propose to use the funding for new or existing cybersecurity programs.
A separate program specifically for tribal government application submissions will be released later this fall.
Read more about the program here.