Cybersecurity threats targeting American Indian and Alaska Native tribes are intensifying in complexity, posing distinct challenges due to the unique status of tribal sovereignty combined with historical underfunding and lack of resources. This situation calls for innovative solutions to bolster the digital defenses of these communities.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is adopting a coordinated approach to tackle these issues. A notable initiative under this strategy is the introduction of the Tribal Cybersecurity Grants by FEMA, which are administered in collaboration with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). These grants represent a significant effort to enhance the cybersecurity resilience of Tribal Nations.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell highlighted the importance of these grants, stating, “With these first-ever Tribal Cybersecurity Grants, we are not just addressing immediate needs, but also reinforcing the infrastructure that supports the sovereignty and resilience of Tribal Nations.” She emphasized that this initiative marks the largest funding effort to build cybersecurity resilience among tribal recipients in FEMA’s history, underscoring the commitment to a safer future for these communities.
CISA Director Jen Easterly also affirmed the significance of these grants, explaining, “These grants will help Tribal Nations combat the growing cyber threats they face every day and build resilience for their critical infrastructure.” She expressed pride in the collaboration among federal partners to strengthen tribal cybersecurity.
The Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program aims to fund the development of essential governance frameworks that will enable Tribal Nations to effectively manage cyber threats and vulnerabilities. The program focuses on identifying critical vulnerabilities, assessing necessary capabilities, implementing threat mitigation strategies, and fostering a modern cyber workforce within local tribal communities.
Recipients of the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program are also required to participate in a selection of free services offered by CISA, including:
- Cyber Hygiene Vulnerability Scanning: This service assesses the external network presence by continuously scanning public, static internet protocols (IPs) for accessible services and potential vulnerabilities.
- Nationwide Cybersecurity Review: An annual, anonymous self-assessment that is free of charge, designed to evaluate the gaps and capabilities of a recipient’s cybersecurity programs.
These grants are set to significantly boost national resilience to cyber threats by providing Tribal Nations with critical resources to enhance network security and protect against cybersecurity risks, thereby strengthening their communities. Moreover, federally recognized tribes will have the opportunity to apply for additional cybersecurity funding later in 2024, further supporting their efforts to safeguard their digital environments.
Source: securityinformed.com
