CISA Announces Cybersecurity Grant Opportunity for Tribal Governments

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have started accepting applications from tribal governments to receive funding for improving their cyber defenses. 

Selected applicants will split funding worth $18.2 million under the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program to support their new or existing cybersecurity programs and enable them to identify and address cyber threats and key vulnerabilities, implement threat mitigation measures and establish a cyber workforce in tribal communities, CISA said.

Besides grants, CISA will also provide awardees with state cybersecurity coordinators and advisers, tools and other resources to assist with their cyber initiatives. 

CISA and FEMA encourage all 574 federally recognized tribal governments to apply for grants to protect critical infrastructure and communities from cyberattacks, said CISA Director Jen Easterly, a 2023 Wash100 awardee, noting that tribes often lack the resources necessary to address cybersecurity challenges. 

The agencies will accept applications until January 10, 2024.