Free Cybersecurity Assessments to Assist with Cybersecurity Implementation Grants
The Cybersecurity Implementation Grant Program was recently created as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 which allocated $2M to NHDES to fund drinking water and wastewater projects related to mitigating or managing the risk of a cyberattack.
Cybersecurity is one of the top threats against business and critical infrastructure. It is important for owners/operators of drinking water and wastewater systems to examine cybersecurity vulnerabilities and develop a risk management program to reduce the likelihood of a cyberattack impacting operations.
Conducting a cybersecurity assessment is the first step toward securing funding for implementation. An assessment will help identify gaps in cybersecurity practices and determine next steps for implementing measures to improve cyber resiliency. Currently, free assessments are being offered from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the USEPA. If you have not already done so, consider having a cybersecurity assessment conducted to be eligible for funding.
- USEPA cybersecurity assessment: visit USEPA Cybersecurity Assessment Flyer or contact gkite@horsleywitten.com.
- DHS CISA cybersecurity assessment: visit Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Assessment and email cyberadvisor@cisa.dhs.gov or richard.rossi@cisa.dhs.gov.
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the NHDES Cybersecurity Improvements Assistance webpage for more information, including eligibility requirements. Completed applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis through December 31, 2022.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Nistico at stephanie.nistico@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-0867.