The commission, which plays a crucial role in advising the Legislature on cyber-related matters, convened to deliberate on strategies for bolstering state support aimed at empowering local governments in their quest to enhance cybersecurity defenses.
During the meeting on Nov. 22, the Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity received valuable updates from Minnesota IT Services and actively explored potential avenues for the state to augment its assistance to under-resourced cities grappling with significant cybersecurity challenges.
The League presented compelling information advocating for specific language that has been integrated into a proposed bill for the 2024 legislative session, HF 5324. This bill aims to establish a grant program funded by the state specifically for counties and cities to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities. The initiative is spearheaded by Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove), who is the primary sponsor of the proposal.
View the League’s cybersecurity presentation.
Program details
The proposed program is designed to aid counties and cities that currently lack sufficient resources to effectively take advantage of existing federal and state cybersecurity initiatives. By providing this additional support, the program aims to significantly mitigate overall cybersecurity risks faced by local governments. Key elements of the proposal include:
- Up to $25,000 in grants available to any qualifying city and county, with no requirements for nonstate matching funds to cover up to 75% of total eligible expenditures.
- The prospect for a county or city to secure further awards, aggregating up to $1 million in total grant funding, to bolster their cybersecurity infrastructure.
- Eligible expenditures encompass:
- Equipment designed to secure operational technology.
- Robust storage and backup solutions to safeguard critical data.
- Cloud-based backup and data storage services to ensure data redundancy.
- Data management and archiving solutions to maintain comprehensive data integrity.
- Secure email hosting services, among other essential cybersecurity tools.
- The program will be managed and overseen by Minnesota IT Services to ensure effective implementation and support.
Although the state’s financial outlook won’t be definitively clarified until the December 2024 budget forecast, commission members have expressed a strong interest in amplifying state support for local governments’ cybersecurity endeavors.
In what ways can local communities collaborate to effectively implement the grant program proposed by Rep. Bahner to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities?
**Interview with Rep. Kristin Bahner on Cybersecurity Enhancement for Local Governments**
**Host:** Welcome, Rep. Kristin Bahner! Thank you for joining us today to discuss your efforts to enhance cybersecurity for local governments in Minnesota.
**Rep. Bahner:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about this important issue.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. You recently participated in a meeting of the Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity where you discussed strategies to support local governments in enhancing their cybersecurity defenses. Can you tell us more about the key takeaways from that meeting?
**Rep. Bahner:** Absolutely! The commission focused on the urgent need to improve cybersecurity resources for our under-resourced cities. We received valuable updates from Minnesota IT Services that highlighted the significant challenges these localities face. It was clear that there is a strong desire to bolster state support and ensure that all municipalities, regardless of their budget, can safeguard their systems against cyber threats.
**Host:** That sounds imperative, especially given the rising number of cyber incidents. I understand that you are sponsoring a bill for the 2024 legislative session, HF 5324. Can you explain what this bill entails and how it aims to assist local governments?
**Rep. Bahner:** Certainly! HF 5324 seeks to establish a grant program funded by the state specifically for counties and cities to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities. The idea is to provide financial resources that can help local governments implement better security measures, hire expertise, and ultimately protect sensitive data from cyber threats. By doing this, we hope to create a safer digital environment for all Minnesotans.
**Host:** It sounds like a comprehensive approach. What prompted you to take the lead on this initiative?
**Rep. Bahner:** As a representative, I’ve heard from many local leaders about their cybersecurity struggles. Smaller cities often lack the necessary funding and personnel to adequately protect against potential attacks. I felt it was crucial to leverage state resources to bridge this gap. The safety and security of our communities must be a top priority, and this bill represents a tangible step towards achieving that.
**Host:** Thank you for your commitment to addressing these cybersecurity challenges. What roles do you see communities playing in the implementation of this grant program if it’s passed?
**Rep. Bahner:** Communities will play a vital role in identifying their unique needs and how best to utilize the funds. The program is designed to be flexible so that municipalities can tailor their applications to address specific vulnerabilities, whether it’s through training, infrastructure upgrades, or hiring cybersecurity professionals. Collaboration between state agencies and local governments will be key to ensuring the effectiveness of this initiative.
**Host:** That collaboration sounds essential for success. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you would like to address regarding cybersecurity in Minnesota?
**Rep. Bahner:** Yes, I encourage all local leaders to stay vigilant about cybersecurity issues and advocate for the resources they need. Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it’s a community issue. Together, we can work to build a safer and more secure Minnesota.
**Host:** Thank you, Rep. Bahner, for your insights and efforts in promoting cybersecurity for Minnesota’s local governments. We appreciate your time today!
**Rep. Bahner:** Thank you for having me!
