Skip to main content

State and Local Governments See Growing Risk

Stronghold Data has seen many state and local governments get breached. One city, the City of Joplin, found themselves breached in the summer of 2021 and relied on Stronghold Data to assist in recovery. You can read the full City of Joplin Case Study here. Cybersecurity is important, but it can be costly. We believe the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program can help offset that cost.

In response to the increased cyber threats to state and local governments, the federal government created the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). The SLCGP was created as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts.

What is the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program?

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) provides funding for state and local governments to increase their cybersecurity posture. The grant runs from 2022 through 2026. The grant awards $185 million in funding for 2022-23, with each state receiving at least $2 million.

Missouri SLCGP Application Instructions

Click here to learn how to apply for the Missouri SLCGP, known as the State Cyber Crime Grant.

Each State is responsible for allocating their funds to state and local agencies through an application process. Each State will have different application processes and award limits. For example, in the State of Missouri, applicants must apply by December 16th, 2022. Each applicant is eligible for up to $200,000.

As part of the application process, applicants must tell the State what and how they plan on using the grant funding to improve their cybersecurity. All services and projects must be in alignment with the objectives laid out in the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP).

These objectives are:

  • Objective 1: Develop and establish appropriate governance structures, including developing, implementing, or revising cybersecurity plans, to improve capabilities to respond to cybersecurity incidents and ensure continuity of operations.
  • Objective 2: Understand their current cybersecurity posture and areas for improvement based on continuous testing, evaluation, and structured assessments.
  • Objective 3: Implement security protections commensurate with risk.
  • Objective 4: Ensure organization personnel are appropriately trained in cybersecurity, commensurate with responsibility.

Why does Stronghold Data recommend this grant?

Stronghold Data has seen too many state and local governments fall victim to cyber attacks. We want to help. Stronghold Data has a long history of providing managed IT services to Joplin, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and the Midwest. We provide the services that your organization needs to fulfil the objectives and requirements of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant (SLCGP).

Stronghold Data believes that the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant (SLCGP) is an opportunity for funding that every state and local government should take advantage of. Contact Stronghold Data about any SLCGP questions, your State application, and what services and projects can qualify for your agency. Learn more about the SLCGP from FEMA here.