INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Enterprise Security

Outlined by State Governor Kathy Hochul , the strategy clarifies agency roles and responsibilities , outlines how existing and planned initiatives and investments knit together into a unified approach and reiterates the State ’ s commitment to providing services , advice and assistance to county and local governments .

“ Our interconnected world demands an interconnected defense leveraging every resource available ,” Governor Hochul said . “ This strategy sets forth a nation-leading blueprint to ensure New York State stands ready and resilient in the face of cyberthreats .”

The strategy unifies New York ’ s cybersecurity services in order to safeguard critical infrastructure , personal information and digital assets from malicious actors . It also provides a framework to align the actions and resources of both private and public stakeholders , including county and other local governments .

Acting New York State Chief Information Officer Jennifer Lorenz said : “ Thanks to Governor Hochul , cybersecurity is a priority in New York State – backed up by real funding , real human resources and a real strategy designed to protect the state ’ s assets from intrusion and attack .

“ The Office of Information Technology Services is proud to be a partner in carrying out this important mission and know it will result in cyber defenses that are better , stronger and more agile .”

Governor Hochul announced her commitment to bolster New York State ’ s centralized cybersecurity during this year ’ s State of the State address .

The historic $ 90 million investment for cybersecurity included in the Fiscal Year

2024 Budget made $ 30 million in shared services funding available to assist local governments in strengthening their own defenses against cyberthreats .

This initiative signaled a new and stronger collaboration between the state and its local governments on this critical and evolving issue .

The strategy includes providing $ 500 million to enhance New York State ’ s healthcare Information Technology , primarily cybersecurity infrastructure , as well as $ 7.4 million to expand the New York State Police ’ s Cyber Analysis Unit , Computer Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Center .

Overall , the strategy is defined by three central principles – unification , resilience and preparedness – that the state can lean on to present a unified and resilient defense against new and more sophisticated cyberthreats ; preventing the vast majority of attacks but also isolating , controlling and mitigating potential threats ; and preparing , adapting and always being ready for the cyber challenges of the future .

This strategy is seen as a blueprint for cybersecurity stakeholders across New York – from state agencies to local governments – to understand how they fit into a larger plan .

The blueprint provides objectives , lines of effort and a commitment from the Governor that they can use in future planning and program design .

Governor Hochul also signed legislation to expand New York ’ s technology talent pool and provide funding to help ensure New York-based employers can hire and retain necessary expertise . p

68 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www . intelligentcio . com