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Northern NY News
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Written by Contributor
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Wednesday, 04 November 2009 12:00 |
ALBANY, NY - Governor David A. Paterson today announced
that New York will receive $3 million in federal funding to help
protect State and local government networks from cyber security attacks
and incidents. The funding is part of the 2010 Department of Homeland
Security Appropriations Act signed by President Obama.
“Our State and local governments are on
the front lines of providing services to citizens and securing the
technologies used to deliver these services is crucial for our homeland
security and economic stability,” Governor Paterson said. “I thank
Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congresswomen Clarke and Lowey for
their tremendous efforts in championing cyber security issues and
securing the funding for this important national program lead by New
York State.”
The funding will facilitate New York’s
cyber security efforts through the Multi-State Information Sharing and
Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) which is operated by New York State’s Office
of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination (CSCIC).
The MS-ISAC was created by New York State
and is focused on cyber threat prevention, protection and response and
recovery for State, local and territorial governments across the
nation. It includes participation from all 50 states and the District
of Columbia, as well as local governments and U.S. Territories. The
MS-ISAC is the only such cyber security center dedicated to state,
local and territorial governments in the country and is recognized for
its important role in helping further cyber security preparedness.
The federal appropriation will enable
significant program enhancements including expanding the MS-ISAC
services to be able to provide real-time cyber threat detection and
prevention for more state, local and territorial governments. This
expanded infrastructure would provide a representative sample of system
and network activity for enhancing situational awareness not only of
New York State’s cyber security infrastructure, but that of state,
local and territorial government networks across the country. It would
also enable more timely cyber incident identification and response
while providing more resources for developing and implementing
appropriate mitigation strategies tailored specifically to state, local
and territorial government cyber resources.
Senator Charles Schumer said: “With more
and more people around the world using computers to try to infiltrate
American computer systems, the threat of a cyber attack is real and
growing. This funding will make significant strides toward enhancing
our country’s cyber security to keep our state, our economy and local
computer networks and companies secure.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “Cyber
security is a top priority for our national security. These federal
dollars will help protect us against cyber attacks and cyber terrorism.
I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and our
entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair
share from the federal government.”
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke said: “I am
proud to secure $3 million for the Multi-State Information Sharing and
Analysis Center Program. These critical funds will help New York and
all 50 States, the District of Columbia, local governments and U.S.
Territories address cyber security vulnerabilities, which can
significantly impact our national and economic security. MS-ISAC
Director Will Pelgrin is a recognized national leader on cyber security
and he is doing a tremendous job providing guidance on cyber threat
prevention, protection, and response and recovery throughout our
nation. Mr. Pelgrin has also been instrumental in launching the U.S.
Cyber Challenge competition to get our young people to use their web
and technical skills for cyber security. As chair of the House Homeland
Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science
and Technology, I am also proud that this funding passed during
National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The MS-ISAC is also helping to
lead the charge to promote cyber security awareness amongst state and
local governments.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “The
MS-ISAC is New York’s premier state and local government cyber security
entity working to protect our information networks and infrastructure
from cyber threats. I was thrilled to work with Congresswoman Clarke to
secure $3 million in federal funding for MS-ISAC, which will help this
critical project expand its services, prevent cyber attacks and respond
effectively to threats.”
William Pelgrin, CSCIC Director and
MS-ISAC Chair, said: “The collective view is more powerful than the
singular view and the collaborative approach of the MS-ISAC serves as a
tremendous benefit to increasing our overall cyber security readiness
and response. Through the Governor’s leadership and with the support of
Representatives Lowey and Clarke and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand,
we are making a tremendous difference in the ability of our state and
local governments to prepare for and protect against cyber attacks and
incidents.”
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