Developing Cybersecurity Readiness for Local Governments in Missouri
GrantID: 10335
Grant Funding Amount Low: $600,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $1,200,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Cybersecurity for Local Governments in Missouri
Missouri's local governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of cybersecurity measures as they manage sensitive public information and services. With cyber threats growing more prevalent, municipalities face challenges in protecting their data and ensuring the operation of essential services. Recent statistics from the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office indicate that more than one-third of local government entities experienced a cyber incident in the past year, underscoring the urgency of this issue.
Cities, counties, and other local government entities in Missouri operate under various resource constraints, often lacking the technical expertise necessary to implement effective cybersecurity strategies. Smaller municipalities may struggle even more, where budgets are tight, and technology investments are often deprioritized. This gap poses an imminent threat to the delivery of public services and the integrity of civic operations.
The proposed grant funding seeks to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy tailored specifically for local governments in Missouri. It emphasizes the implementation of best practices for data protection and securing municipal operations through technical assistance. By focusing on enhancing local cybersecurity infrastructure, the program aims to ensure that public information remains secure while also safeguarding the effectiveness of government services.
Eligible applicants for this grant include all local government entities in Missouri, including counties, cities, and special districts. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate existing vulnerabilities in their cybersecurity posture and outline a specific plan for enhancing their defenses. Proposals should include details about the technologies and strategies they plan to adopt, such as incident response plans, employee training programs, and software for threat detection.
In light of Missouri’s varied landscape of urban and rural municipalities, the challenge for local governments is adopting a standardized yet adaptable framework for cybersecurity. This grant program addresses the need for tailored solutions that reflect the local governance structure and resource availability while emphasizing collaboration among municipalities to share insights and bolster collective security efforts.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
