(Media-Newswire.com) – Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York will receive $3 million in federal funding to help protect State and local government networks from cyber security attacks and incidents. The funding is part of the 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act signed by President Obama.

“Our State and local governments are on the front lines of providing services to citizens and securing the technologies used to deliver these services is crucial for our homeland security and economic stability,” Governor Paterson said. “I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congresswomen Clarke and Lowey for their tremendous efforts in championing cyber security issues and securing the funding for this important national program lead by New York State.”

The funding will facilitate New York’s cyber security efforts through the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center ( MS-ISAC ) which is operated by New York State’s Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination ( CSCIC ).

The MS-ISAC was created by New York State and is focused on cyber threat prevention, protection and response and recovery for State, local and territorial governments across the nation. It includes participation from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as local governments and U.S. Territories. The MS-ISAC is the only such cyber security center dedicated to state, local and territorial governments in the country and is recognized for its important role in helping further cyber security preparedness.

The federal appropriation will enable significant program enhancements including expanding the MS-ISAC services to be able to provide real-time cyber threat detection and prevention for more state, local and territorial governments. This expanded infrastructure would provide a representative sample of system and network activity for enhancing situational awareness not only of New York State’s cyber security infrastructure, but that of state, local and territorial government networks across the country. It would also enable more timely cyber incident identification and response while providing more resources for developing and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies tailored specifically to state, local and territorial government cyber resources.

Senator Charles Schumer said: “With more and more people around the world using computers to try to infiltrate American computer systems, the threat of a cyber attack is real and growing. This funding will make significant strides toward enhancing our country’s cyber security to keep our state, our economy and local computer networks and companies secure.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “Cyber security is a top priority for our national security. These federal dollars will help protect us against cyber attacks and cyber terrorism. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and our entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke said: “I am proud to secure $3 million for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center Program. These critical funds will help New York and all 50 States, the District of Columbia, local governments and U.S. Territories address cyber security vulnerabilities, which can significantly impact our national and economic security. MS-ISAC Director Will Pelgrin is a recognized national leader on cyber security and he is doing a tremendous job providing guidance on cyber threat prevention, protection, and response and recovery throughout our nation. Mr. Pelgrin has also been instrumental in launching the U.S. Cyber Challenge competition to get our young people to use their web and technical skills for cyber security. As chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, I am also proud that this funding passed during National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The MS-ISAC is also helping to lead the charge to promote cyber security awareness amongst state and local governments.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “The MS-ISAC is New York’s premier state and local government cyber security entity working to protect our information networks and infrastructure from cyber threats. I was thrilled to work with Congresswoman Clarke to secure $3 million in federal funding for MS-ISAC, which will help this critical project expand its services, prevent cyber attacks and respond effectively to threats.”

William Pelgrin, CSCIC Director and MS-ISAC Chair, said: “The collective view is more powerful than the singular view and the collaborative approach of the MS-ISAC serves as a tremendous benefit to increasing our overall cyber security readiness and response. Through the Governor’s leadership and with the support of Representatives Lowey and Clarke and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, we are making a tremendous difference in the ability of our state and local governments to prepare for and protect against cyber attacks and incidents.”