The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) has awarded the Town of Smithtown $50,000 in grant funding for Cyber Security. This is the second year in a row that the town has received this award, intended to enhance and sustain the town’s approach to securing confidential data and personal information.
“With the many threats out there making news headlines, from hacked emails to ransomware and malware, we have an obligation to defend the sensitive information our community entrusts us to secure. The funding from this grant will serve as a great assistance in our efforts to update our digital infrastructure and modernize equipment.” - Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim
The Cybersecurity grant will go toward resources and equipment necessary to prevent disruption and defend the integrity and the use of town-wide information systems. Additionally, the grant will aid the town in assessing cyber security risks and developing actionable plans that focus on response and immediate remediation to cyber incidents. Lastly, the grant will work to ensure that Smithtown is equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary for providing cyber security awareness training to staff.
“This grant couldn’t have come at a better time. As we work to update our infrastructure and roads, we also have to modernize our digital safety networks. Getting the funding from grants like these allow us to keep sensitive data and confidentiality secure without burdening the taxpayer.” - Chief John Valentine, Director of Public Safety
The performance period for this award is October 1, 2019 through August 31, 2021. The NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Cybersecurity Grant Program awards funding to New York State Counties, cities, towns, and villages. This is the second round of five competitive targeted funding opportunities to aid in the strengthening of systems, protecting sensitive data, and educating employees.
About DHSES:
Created by an act of the State Legislature in July 2010, the Division is comprised of four offices dedicated to the protection of New Yorkers, their property, and the State's economic well-being from acts of terrorism and natural and manmade emergencies or disasters. The Division accomplishes this core mission through its offices - Counter Terrorism, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Control, and Interoperable & Emergency Communications - who coordinate the response of State agencies in support of local government.