Massachusetts Issues State-wide Cybersecurity Funding for 2023

Cybersecurity has been such a growing problem for individuals, organizations, and businesses over the last several years, and at least in Massachusetts, it has become a crucial concern for lawmakers. While we’ve been seeing some businesses start to take these threats more seriously, there’s still a long, rough road ahead of us all before cybersecurity can be a passive thought.

Fortunately, the state of Massachusetts has, in some ways, been paving the way forward when it comes to cybersecurity policies and regulation. The average individual is generally a little bit safer in the Bay State compared to states that are a little more behind the times, but that doesn’t mean we’re out of the proverbial woods just yet. Fortunately, it looks like Massachusetts is continuing the trend to protect the state through new programs this year.

Our State to Establish a Massachusetts Cyber Incident Response Team

In December, Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order to set up the Massachusetts Cyber Incident Response Team, also known as MA-CIRT. The program is designed to further prepare the Commonwealth for cyber threats, as well as help respond to and mitigate active cyberattacks.

While MA-CIRT is focused around local government, municipalities, executive department agencies, and other state entities, this might potentially affect businesses that work directly with the state, and each year the plan is required to be reviewed, updated, and sent to the governor for approval. It’s likely this will continue to evolve.

The MA-CIRT will establish policies to manage the risk of cyber incidents while developing and maintaining a cyber incident response plan which will serve as a process for all public safety and information security teams, and other state agency resources.

Okay, But How Does That Affect My Business?

At a glance, these programs are designed around state agencies and local governments, but it’s another shining example in the uphill battle that is cybersecurity. The state is actively taking this threat seriously, and so should you.

We talked a lot about cybersecurity in 2022, and for good reason. The new kinds of threats out there are really devastating for businesses. They can harm your reputation, shut down your facilities for days or weeks, and result in lawsuits or other financial losses.

We figure it would be a good time to share some of our cybersecurity advice and resources that we put together over the last six months.

Avoid Getting Scammed Online (Both Personally and Professionally)

Boston Healthcare Facilities Targeted by Spear-Phishing Attacks

FBI Warns Boston Businesses to Prepare for Cyberthreats

Lack of Cybersecurity Urgency is the Biggest Threat to Massachusetts Businesses

Data Breaches are Targeting Massachusetts Businesses

YOU are Southern New England’s Biggest IT Security Threat

Our mission isn’t to be overly sensational about cybersecurity, it’s a real problem and it’s doing a lot of harm to businesses. These attacks happen fast, and can have a lasting impact for any organization that isn’t prepared.

Make 2023 the Year You Take Cybersecurity Seriously

IT security isn’t a luxury expense, and it doesn’t have to break the bank either. The tools and practices we employ are powerful enough for massive enterprises, but scaled appropriately for businesses of all sizes. You should never look at your business and think you are too small to worry about protecting your data—after all, cybersecurity is less about throwing money at the problem and more about making smart decisions regarding policies.

At Datalyst, our goal is to make it easy for you and your entire staff to work effectively and securely. We can help your business meet regulatory compliance standards, prevent day-to-day issues, and make your technology work better for your business.

Don’t wait until an issue starts costing your business time and money. Give us a call today at (774) 213-9701 to set up a meeting.