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In as we speak’s digital world, Texas ISD’s are going through a essential problem: maintaining their digital doorways locked tight towards cyber threats. These threats have gotten extra frequent and complex by the day. Fortunately, the State and Native Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is right here to assist. With the appliance deadline of March 14, 2024 quick approaching, let’s dive into why this grant is such a chance.
What Is the SLCGP?
First off, thanks to each the federal and state governments for kicking off the SLCGP. This initiative, fueled by the federal Infrastructure Funding and Jobs Act (also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation), is granting $1 billion over 4 years (2022-2025) to fight cybersecurity dangers that focus on government-operated info techniques. For Texas, meaning about $40 million devoted to ramping up our cybersecurity defenses with at the least 25% of the full funds made obtainable beneath the grant being handed by to rural communities.
How This Advantages Texas ISDs
So, why ought to Texas ISDs bounce on this grant? It boils all the way down to the fact of cyber threats. The grant covers the whole lot from ransomware assaults that may lock total faculty techniques out of their very own information to breaches that put college students’ and employees’s private information in danger.
The SLCGP presents a manner ahead by 4 key objectives:
- Governance and Planning
- Evaluation and Analysis
- Mitigation
- Workforce Improvement
Becoming a member of the SLCGP means entry to a bunch of sources to beef up cybersecurity measures. This contains implementing tighter safety practices like multi-factor authentication and information encryption, plus getting in on providers supplied by the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Safety Company (CISA) like internet functions and vulnerability scanning. These instruments are game-changers for figuring out weak spots and bolstering defenses.
The right way to Apply for the SLCGP
Don’t let this opportunity slip by your fingers. The method to use is thru the Workplace of the Governor’s eGrants web site. Seize this chance to strengthen your digital defenses, preserve your college students protected, and future-proof your colleges.