Overview
PLEASE NOTE: This program is not currently accepting applications for funding.
To keep pace with today’s dynamic and increasingly sophisticated cyber threat environment, state agencies must adopt key cybersecurity best practices, take decisive steps to modernize their approach to cybersecurity, and advance towards a Zero Trust Architecture.
The purpose of funding is to assist Massachusetts state agencies with improving cybersecurity by reducing susceptibility to cybersecurity threats, reducing cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and mitigating the consequences of cybersecurity attacks by enhancing specific cybersecurity capabilities.
Priority areas include:
- Development of a written cybersecurity incident response plan.
- Tabletop exercises (TTX) involving cross-functional staff members, including senior leadership of the applicant to exercise, test, and refine written cyber incident response plans.
- Cybersecurity awareness training – State agencies with a .gov domain or a network email domain owned and managed by a state unit of government are eligible to apply under this objective.
- Migration to the .gov internet domain.
- Implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Eligibility
Only a Massachusetts unit of state government (e.g., state agency, authority, or state institution of higher education) is eligible to apply under this grant program.
Key Dates and Materials
This program is not currently accepting applications for funding.
Cybersecurity Funding for Municipalities
The State Share Cybersecurity Grant Program is open only to state agencies. Units of local government may apply for funding through the Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program.
Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee
In accordance with terms of this federal grant program, the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee was formed to guide allowable cybersecurity activities for the Commonwealth, its municipalities and other public entities. The Committee is composed of stakeholder representatives and chaired by the Commonwealth's Chief Information Officer. The panel is responsible for directing the use of SLCGP funds.