Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled New York’s groundbreaking statewide cybersecurity approach, backed by a robust $600m investment.
Presented as a pivotal State of the State agenda item, the strategy is fashioned to bolster New York’s defenses against prevailing cyber challenges.
“In today’s hyper-connected landscape, it’s imperative we harness a cohesive defense, tapping into every possible resource,” Governor Hochul stated. “With this pioneering blueprint, we aim for New York State to be at the forefront, fortified and agile against cyber adversaries.”
This ambitious plan is set to protect pivotal assets, such as data repositories, digital networks, and technological structures, from hostile breaches. By bridging collaborations between public entities, private sectors, and local administrations, the strategy envisions a consolidated barrier to cyber threats.
The approach rests on three cornerstones: integration, resilience, and readiness. These foundations intend for New York State not just to deter, but also efficiently counteract, cyber incursions.
Of the proposed budget, $90m is earmarked to streamline cybersecurity operations, with $30m set aside to amplify the cyber defenses of local administrative units. A substantial $500m is allocated towards fortifying healthcare IT cybersecurity infrastructure, while a further $7.4m will augment the capabilities of the New York State Police’s cyber divisions.
In a progressive move, Governor Hochul also endorsed a bill aimed at magnifying New York’s tech-savvy workforce, ensuring employers have the requisite funds to attract and maintain top-tier cybersecurity experts.
