New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. She called for expedited access to funds from the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). This popular program provides state and local agencies with key financial resources. These dollars are sorely needed to make our schools safer, both in the physical and virtual spaces. We thank Governor Hochul for emphasizing the critical need for these funds to keep New York at the forefront of our nation’s cybersecurity capabilities.
NSC’s HSGP funding request couldn’t come at a better time. New York just enacted a law mandating that every state government office report any cyberattack on them to the state’s homeland security office within 72 hours. Moreover, when ransomware payments are made, these need to be reported—not just reported, but within 24 hours. This legislation is a model for a more proactive approach to cybersecurity, resulting in increased transparency and accountability in how we manage and respond to cyber incidents.
Today, all state employees who regularly use computers in government offices across the state are required to undergo cybersecurity awareness training. This new initiative is a critical step to creating that skilled workforce. We’re looking for people who know how to anticipate cyber threats and know how to address them.
Colin Ahern responded that New York was in fact opening a new office—an office in New York City. This office should be populated by a stable and consistent team of technologists and cybersecurity professionals. And he’s optimistic about recruiting those who were laid off through the $1.2 billion in cybersecurity funding cuts. These cuts have been put in place by the Trump administration.
“Everybody wants a federal government that has significant capabilities to deter our adversaries that is resilient against cyberattacks and other attacks from our enemies,” – Colin Ahern
He criticized the previous administration’s disastrous funding choices. While CISA’s budget was cut across the board by $135 million, they have funneled $1 billion over four years into offensive cyber operations that go after hacking efforts originating overseas.
We felt like what was happening in Washington was endangering all of those things,” Ahern said. He highlighted the increasing risks as the federal government has withdrawn more support.
The new hiring initiative fits with Ahern’s dedication to encouraging new and improved collaboration between levels of government. He stated, “We’re continuing to invest our time, our resources, and our energy in building relationships across state lines, across party lines, [and] relationships with our county and our local governments so that we can continue to provide the safe, resilient and affordable New York that we think has really made New York the cultural, financial and economic center that it remains.”
Governor Hochul has proposed new legislation aimed at establishing a grant program for water and wastewater organizations in New York. Our goal with this initiative is to help these organizations secure the resources to make the upgrades required to meet future standards.
Colin Ahern’s comments reflect the challenge ahead to address cybersecurity challenges in a changing digital environment. He’s a passionate proponent for more money and staff. This plan is consistent with the state of New York’s overall goal of fortifying defenses against harmful cyber attacks while keeping New Yorkers’ safety in mind.
“DOGE says you’re fired. New York says you’re hired,” – Colin Ahern
