Governor DeWine, CyberOhio launch $7 Million grant program to strengthen local government cybersecurity

As we have seen recently with the city of Columbus and Cleveland, no local government is immune from the threat of cyberattacks. Now, Ohio is taking a proactive step in safeguarding its local governments against these ever-evolving cyber threats.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted have announced a $7 million grant program through CyberOhio, aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity infrastructure of local government entities across the state. This new initiative is designed to help local governments acquire the necessary tools and services to bolster their cybersecurity defenses.

Cyberattacks can disrupt essential services, compromise sensitive data, and erode public trust. By offering financial assistance to local governments, Ohio is ensuring that its communities are better prepared to face these challenges.

In a recent announcement, Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of staying ahead of cyber threats, noting that the state's local government partners play a critical role in protecting citizens and maintaining public trust.

Lt. Governor Husted echoed this sentiment, saying “technology is infused into almost all government services because it improves the way we serve our customers and saves money, but that also means we need to protect those services from bad actors. It's vital that local government partners across Ohio have the resources they need to protect our citizens and show companies across the country that Ohio is a safe and secure environment to bring their business." 

The CyberOhio Local Government Grant Program offers funding for a wide range of cybersecurity software and services. Eligible expenses include:

• Endpoint Protection

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Secure Mail

• Vulnerability Management

• Migration to .gov Domains

• Cybersecurity Services from organizations like the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) and the Center for Internet Security (CIS)

To apply, local government entities need to prepare an application outlining their current cybersecurity posture, the specific software and services they seek funding for, and how the grant will enhance their cybersecurity resilience. The application process is designed to be straightforward, but it’s crucial for applicants to provide detailed and accurate information to increase their chances of receiving funding.

Offering some insight in a recent LinkedIn post, Ohio Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor Kirk Herath said, “Grant closes on September 16. Please get those proposals in. We're particularly interested in joint/collaborative proposals among public sector organizations. Collective defense is less expensive and more scalable.”

Ohio’s new CyberOhio Local Government Grant Program is a significant step towards ensuring that local governments have the resources they need to protect against cyber threats. As technology becomes more integral to public services, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is more critical than ever. Local governments should take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure and safeguard the communities they serve.

For more information and to apply, visit Assisting Local Government Entities | CyberOhio.