Malone, NNY gets state funds for water system cybersecurity | Top Stories | #hacking | #cybersecurity | #infosec | #comptia | #pentest | #ransomware

The grants come as local water operations in at least seven states face targeted cyberattacks that many suspect originate from Iran. The attacks have interrupted and degraded water supplies, but no reports of catastrophic failures or health hazards have been made.

The timing of the New York grants for security improvements isn’t directly tied to those ongoing attacks, but Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul said the recent attacks highlight the need for investment.

“As we have seen with recent malicious cyberattacks on water systems across multiple states, these threats are real and escalating,” she said. “These investments give local governments the tools they need to strengthen their defenses, safeguard essential services, and keep delivering safe, reliable water to New Yorkers.”

With the grants, known as SECURE grants, and free technical help from the Environmental Facilities Corporation, local government recipients will undertake cybersecurity assessments and then address gaps in their systems as identified.

In Jefferson County, the villages of Carthage and Clayton are getting $50,000 each, and the town of Henderson is also getting $50,000.

In St. Lawrence County, the town of Hermon is getting $50,000, while the Clinton County town of Peru is getting $20,000.

Statewide, $9 million is going to 153 water systems.