The cities of Haverhill and Methuen, area communities, school districts and others are receiving federal money to help pay for protection against cybersecurity threats.
They shared in $7 million in grants distributed by the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Haverhill was awarded $43,640, while Methuen received $100,000; Andover, $92,000; North Andover, $43,600; and Merrimac, $24,933. Additionally, Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School was awarded $100,000 and Essex County Sheriff’s office. $99,124. State Sen. Barry R. Finegold was the first official to publicly praise the grant awards.
“Municipal governments face unprecedented challenges related to cybersecurity. This funding comes at a critical time to help them protect sensitive information and the delivery of key town services,” he said.
Federal money came from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Administration. Grants will be used to invest in priority cybersecurity initiatives at state agencies and local governments, including school districts, public utility departments and other local agencies.
“It’s vital that our communities have access to the resources, tools, and guidance necessary to protect against increasingly frequent and sophisticated cybersecurity threats. Through these programs, our administration has undertaken a collaborative approach to equip state agencies and local communities with funding to help prevent, prepare for and recover from attacks on our digital infrastructure,” said Gov. Maura T. Healey.