CISA Secures Critical Cybersecurity Funding for State and Local Agencies, Averting Service Disruptions
In a significant move to bolster the digital defenses of public institutions across the nation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has committed to covering a critical funding gap for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). This decisive action ensures that thousands of state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government entities will continue to receive vital cybersecurity services without interruption or new costs.
The MS-ISAC, operated by the non-profit Center for Internet Security (CIS), serves as the central cybersecurity resource for public sector organizations. It provides indispensable tools and intelligence to entities that are often prime targets for cyberattacks but may lack the budgets and personnel of their federal or private sector counterparts.
Recently, a shift in federal funding streams threatened to create a significant shortfall for the organization. This raised concerns that the MS-ISAC might be forced to introduce a fee-based model for its services—a change that could have priced out many of the smaller, under-resourced counties, cities, and school districts that rely on its support.
Recognizing the potential for a dangerous decline in public sector cyber resilience, CISA has stepped in to provide the necessary funding. This intervention guarantees that MS-ISAC’s suite of crucial cybersecurity services will remain available at no cost to its members.
The Critical Role of MS-ISAC
For over a decade, the MS-ISAC has been a cornerstone of collaborative defense for the public sector. It acts as a vital hub for threat intelligence, incident response, and security best practices, empowering members to protect their networks and the sensitive data they hold.
Key services provided by MS-ISAC include:
- 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC): Constant monitoring and analysis of network traffic to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.
- Actionable Threat Intelligence: Timely alerts and advisories on emerging threats, malware campaigns, and vulnerabilities specifically targeting SLTT governments.
- Incident Response Services: Expert assistance to help organizations contain and recover from cyberattacks like ransomware.
- Vulnerability Management Tools: Resources to help IT teams identify and patch security weaknesses in their systems.
MS-ISAC currently supports over 13,000 public entities, serving as a force multiplier that provides a level of security expertise most local governments could not afford on their own. CISA’s funding commitment is a direct investment in the stability and security of this essential partnership.
Actionable Security Steps for Public Sector Leaders
While this funding news is a major victory for public sector security, the threat landscape remains dynamic and dangerous. IT and security leaders within SLTT organizations should use this opportunity to reinforce their defenses.
Fully Engage with MS-ISAC Resources: Ensure your organization is taking full advantage of the no-cost services available. This includes subscribing to all relevant advisories, utilizing their monitoring tools, and having their incident response contact information readily available.
Prioritize Cyber Hygiene: Focus on foundational security measures. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all critical systems, maintain a rigorous patch management schedule, and ensure you have tested, offline backups that are isolated from the main network.
Foster a Culture of Security: Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training for all employees. Phishing simulations and education on identifying social engineering tactics can dramatically reduce your organization’s risk profile.
Develop and Test Your Incident Response Plan: Don’t wait for an attack to figure out your response. A well-documented and regularly tested incident response plan ensures that your team can act quickly and effectively to minimize damage and restore operations.
CISA’s commitment to the MS-ISAC reaffirms the federal government’s understanding that national security begins at the local level. By ensuring these vital cybersecurity resources remain accessible to all, this action strengthens the collective digital defense of the entire nation.
Source: https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2025/09/30/cisa-ms-isac-funding/
