- Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
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Christopher Smith, Director of Legislative and External Affairs
Lowell — Today the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) partnered to host the first annual Cyber351 forum at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
The event was attended by over 70 employees representing 27 municipal organizations including cities and towns, fire and police departments and school districts, to discuss best practices for municipal cybersecurity, grants available to municipal organizations for cybersecurity, and for support on the creation of municipal cybersecurity Incident Response Plans (IRPs). An IRP is a written document that helps an organization before, during and after a confirmed or suspected cybersecurity incident to clarify roles and responsibilities during the incident.
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to supporting our state’s municipalities through grants, technical guidance, and bringing people together at events like this,” said Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder. “We recognize the immense value of providing the resources, expertise and experiences that are low-cost to the state but high impact for municipalities. The first Cyber351 forum has accomplished that for 27 of our communities.”
"Collaboration and preparedness are critical in the fight against ever-evolving cyber threats. As we face a growing number of sophisticated attacks, it is only through close partnerships across federal, state, and municipal levels that we can effectively safeguard our digital infrastructure. Cybersecurity is not a responsibility that falls on any one entity—it is a shared mission,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “The Cyber351 Forum will help fortify our partnership while advancing essential training, risk management, and intelligence sharing. Together, we can mitigate immediate risks, ensure the continuity of essential services, and create a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity culture across Massachusetts.”
The morning session of the Forum featured presentations from the Commonwealth Security Operations Center (SOC) within EOTSS, the Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Fusion Center, cybersecurity experts from the Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard and the EOTSS Office of Municipal and School Technology. The afternoon session included a scenario-based cybersecurity incident simulation, facilitated by the Massachusetts National Guard to assist in the development of incident response plans.
“The Massachusetts National Guard is proud to partner with EOTSS and EOPSS to support the Commonwealth in improving our collective cybersecurity,” said Massachusetts National Guard Cyber Operations Officer Lt. Col. Tim Hunt. “Our Soldiers and Airmen love doing these types of events where they get to use their military training and civilian career skills to help the communities where they live and work.”
“Our Office of Municipal and School Technology is committed to building deep and collaborative relationships with the technology leadership across our cities and towns,” said Technology Services and Security Assistant Secretary Matthew Moran. “By bringing together the Commonwealth’s cybersecurity experts we are working to equip our municipal partners with the knowledge and tools to prepare for constantly evolving cybersecurity threats.”
"Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration across all levels of government," said Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. "By working with our partners, we can strengthen our defenses and build a more secure digital infrastructure that protects our citizens and the essential services they rely on. The Cyber 351 Cyber Incident Response Forum is a crucial opportunity for knowledge-sharing and ensuring we are prepared to face the ever-evolving digital landscape."
About EOTSS:
As the state’s lead technology secretariat, EOTSS is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the Administration’s information technology activities and ensuring that all executive department agencies adhere to its published standards, policies, and procedures. This enterprise approach provides a single, comprehensive framework to ensure that the state is in alignment to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the Commonwealth’s data and information systems.
About EOPSS:
EOPSS is responsible for the policy development and budgetary oversight of its secretariat agencies, independent programs, and several boards which aid in crime prevention, homeland security preparedness, and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the Commonwealth.
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