Lt. Gov. Nunez announces cybergrant program
These days it doesn’t take much for a cyberterrorist to create mayhem inside the computers of a city, county or even a state.
On Friday, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez visited Fire Station No. 2 in Cape Coral to announce a state grant program to equip local governments with improved cybersecurity capabilities.
Local and county dignitaries attended this invite-only event that served as a kickoff to the program created to improve cybersecurity for local governments, fire and law enforcement and much more.
Nunez said the state is ready to help build infrastructure needed but cybersecurity is a priority, as evidenced by the $250 million invested since Gov. Ron DeSantis took office.
This $30 million competitive grant program, funded through the state’s 2022-23 budget, is geared toward the local governments to help keep databases safe as the number of cyberattacks continue to rise.
“We want to protect the citizens data and making sure we collaborate together. We will have cybersecurity capabilities for local governments that this program will help,” Nunez said.
“We’re getting rid of all the things the federal government does wrong, keep the things they do right and doing it faster, better and with less bureaucracy,” said Pedro Allende, Secretary of the Department of Management Services.
The application process was launched started last week. The window for applying will close at the end of March, with awards being made April 18. No match is required.
The program is designed to allow local governments to augment and improve their cyber capabilities, regardless of size or resources.
If awarded, local governments will gain access to cybersecurity solutions that integrate into the State Cybersecurity Operations Center.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said the state and the local and county authorities have created a great team, and that the way it has helped secure the internet is a game-changer.
“This provides a turn-key ability to let us work sooner and immediately. Cooperation and intelligence sharing is a model for the country. These programs keep us catching criminals and adapt to threats,” Marceno said. “This is a critical program for us to keep your information safe.”
For the city of Cape Coral, this important. Fire Chief Ryan Lamb said the city uses IT services and the internet more than ever and it needs to be protected, since lives are at stake.
“We’re all impacted by cyberattacks and how it affects our ability to provide city services,” Lamb said, adding their application is in the mail. “It’s important that we safeguard that critical infrastructure.”
Mayor John Gunter said having the state provide that for all agencies is key.
“I’m sure the city will look into this program and participate. The state has put in a lot of hard work and dedication to get this implemented,” Gunter said. “For the city as a whole, this program is for a multitude of agencies and we will utilize whichever agency we feel will benefit.”
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com