In June 2022, after several years of damaging and worsening cybersecurity attacks on state and local governments, Congress passed the State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act. The law provides $1 billion in funding over four years for states and local entities to develop and implement cybersecurity plans, and requires partial matching from states.
South Carolina will participate in this program and will receive $3.6 million.
The Office of the Governor has assigned the SC Law Enforcement Division to handle the program, and SLED is now working to establish the Cybersecurity Planning Committee, a Statewide Cybersecurity Strategic Plan and other requirements of the law.
After SLED develops the plans it will provide an application proposal form for entities including municipalities seeking cybersecurity funds. For cities and towns that would like to get on the distribution list for the application form as it becomes available, contact Robert Connell at rconnell@sled.sc.gov.