Gov. Sherrill highlights free cybersecurity resources for New Jersey local governments
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill is encouraging municipalities and other public-sector organizations across New Jersey to take advantage of free state cybersecurity resources designed to help prevent, detect and respond to cyberattacks.
The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, or NJCCIC, provides participating local governments with real-time threat intelligence, risk assessments, incident response assistance, cybersecurity training and enterprise-level defense tools.
The program also provides round-the-clock monitoring of networks and systems and allows participating organizations to collaborate and share information about cybersecurity threats.
“My job is to make sure New Jersey is prepared, protected, and educated on the threats we face,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “New Jersey has cutting-edge cybersecurity tools and infrastructure, and every local government entity in this state has access to that advantage at no cost. I encourage every municipality not yet enrolled to sign up today, because a stronger New Jersey starts with every town having the resources it needs to stay safe.”
The program is available to New Jersey public-sector organizations, including counties, municipalities, municipal utilities, K-12 public schools and community colleges.
Funded through a combination of state and federal grants, the program currently serves more than 200 municipalities and provides 24/7 cyber defense infrastructure, according to the governor’s office.
“The NJCCIC gives every local government entity in New Jersey access to real-time cybersecurity threat intelligence and support, as well as enterprise-grade defense tools,” said Michael Geraghty, State Chief Information Security Officer and Director of NJCCIC. “We bridge the gap between local, state, and federal resources so that no county, town, or school has to face a cyber threat alone. The more local government entities enrolled, the stronger New Jersey’s collective defense becomes.”
Among the services offered are continuous monitoring and analysis of cyber threats targeting public-sector organizations, alerts about emerging risks, cybersecurity risk assessments and direct state assistance following a cyberattack.
The NJCCIC also offers cybersecurity training, threat briefings, tabletop exercises and guidance for municipal employees and officials. Its defense tools include round-the-clock monitoring of devices and networks, searches for hidden threats and simulated attacks intended to identify security vulnerabilities.
“The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness is proud to oversee one of the most advanced state-level cybersecurity programs in the country, and we are committed to making sure every local government entity in New Jersey has access to it,” said Thomas Hauck, Director of NJOHSP. “Governor Sherrill’s leadership in championing the NJCCIC is exactly what this program has needed. Its demonstrated capabilities have been instrumental in enhancing cyber defense statewide.”
Public-sector organizations that are not participating can enroll in the NJCCIC program at no cost through the state’s cybersecurity website. The website also provides information about available cybersecurity grants and resources and allows organizations to report cybersecurity incidents.
