Who Qualifies for Cybersecurity Partnerships in Alaska
GrantID: 10144
Grant Funding Amount Low: $1,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $1,000,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Partnerships for Cybersecurity Intelligence Sharing in Alaska
In Alaska, the vast and often isolated geographical landscape creates unique challenges for the electric utility systems that service small municipalities. With numerous remote communities spread across a state characterized by harsh weather conditions and limited infrastructure, the cybersecurity landscape often lags behind national standards. The Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs has reported an increase in cyber threats targeting small municipal utilities, many of which lack the requisite tools to detect and respond to these threats adequately. As a result, the integrity of critical infrastructure in Alaska is continually at risk.
The primary candidates for this grant funding are small municipal utilities that serve some of Alaska's most remote areas. The geographical barriers that separate these communities make it difficult for them to collaborate and share vital information regarding emerging cyber threats. Additionally, these utilities often operate on tight budgets with minimal staffing dedicated to cybersecurity initiatives, resulting in a knowledge gap that leaves them vulnerable to attacks. The unique operational environments of Alaskan utilities necessitate a tailored approach to cybersecurity that accommodates these challenges.
This grant program is designed to establish partnerships among these small municipal utilities to create a centralized platform for sharing cybersecurity threat information. This collaborative framework will enhance the utilities' ability to detect and respond to cyber threats effectively. By pooling resources and expertise, these utilities can leverage collective intelligence, which is especially crucial in the context of Alaska's distributed energy infrastructure.
Furthermore, this initiative aims to overcome geographical isolation by fostering communication and cooperation among utilities. The proposed digital platform will serve as a means to disseminate best practices, notify one another of potential threats, and share responses to incidents. In a state where many utilities operate independently, such partnerships are vital for effective threat mitigation and information sharing.
Ultimately, the goal of this funding is to create a comprehensive network of utilities in Alaska that can respond collaboratively to cyber threats, strengthening the cybersecurity posture of the entire state. By facilitating these partnerships, Alaska will be better positioned to protect its critical energy infrastructure from potential cyber-attacks, ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted even in the face of increasing technological vulnerabilities.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
