Cyber ​​Security Grant Program offering local governments the opportunity to fund online defense

CAPE CORAL, Florida. Efforts are being made in the state of Florida to improve cybersecurity.

The announcement was made earlier today by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez at the Cape Coral 2 fire station. This is being done through the state-funded Cybersecurity Grant Program.

A grant that can help local authorities save lives.

“Working together to keep our citizens safe, keep our data safe, and continue to fight the ever-increasing number of cybercriminals and cyberattacks,” Nunes said.

The lieutenant governor spoke about a brand new cybersecurity program launched by the state.

“We’re committed to empowering local governments to protect, like I said, their citizens, their data, and ensure the cooperation of all of us.”

It’s called the Cyber ​​Security Grants Program and was only officially launched last week. A $30 million program that helps fund online advocacy for local governments across the state.

“For those local governments that apply, the grant program will help our district and local partners identify their needs and use those funds in the important area of ​​cybersecurity.”

Securing where it matters most and preventing threats. According to Cape Coral Fire Chief Ryan Lamb, potential threats could affect people’s lives.

“Ultimately, this affects our ability to respond to a heart attack or cardiac arrest,” said Ryan Lamb, Fire Chief of the City of Cape Coral. “It could affect our ability to save lives.”

The lieutenant governor said the program will strengthen the state’s cooperation with local governments. For the first time, multiple agencies across the state will be working together when it comes to cybersecurity.

“More than 35 government agencies are actively collaborating today without giving up their privacy or access to their data, and this is proof that we are proposing to expand across the state, and we are excited to do so,” said Jamie Grant, State Chief Information Officer Florida.

Excitement also reaches local levels to improve response time.

“It will be something that we can work together as a system with other fire departments, with other cities, to know if someone is being attacked and how it happens,” Lamb said. “So we can work together to strengthen our system so these attackers don’t take advantage of our residents.”

The grant application window will remain open until 31 March. Local governments will be able to apply online right here.