New York State Cyber Chief Calls Trump to Cut Cybersecurity

During the first months of the new Trump administration, the White House cut cybersecurity budgets, staff and initiatives. And includes some Cybersecurity experts and CouncillorsI’m not satisfied with that.

One of them is Colin AhernChief Cyber Officer of New York. In a recent interview with TechCrunch, Ahern said both he and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul were worried that the Trump administration’s cybersecurity cuts put the country at risk.

“We work with the federal government every day. We need and hope that the federal government is effective,” Ahern told TechCrunch. “I don’t think it’s a secret that we’re worried about a lot of what we see in the ‘big ugly bills’.

Trump’s cybersecurity cuts are widespread and widespread.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has held it. More than 100 employees have been fired At CISA, part of that is government. I had to call again after the court’s decision. The decision was reversed. One big beautiful bill act of Trump is cut Cybersecurity spending Over $1.2 billion across federal agencies, including CISA cuts budget $135 million, during that time We’ve won $1 billion over the next four years For offensive cyber operations for overseas hacking businesses.

Meanwhile, the White House name For National Cyber Directors It was criticized Lack of previous experience in his field and the US Department of Education Cybersecurity support initiative has been suspended From kindergarten to high school.

“Everyone wants a federal government that has the vital ability to stop enemies who are resilient against cyber attacks and other attacks from the enemy,” Ahern told TechCrunch. “Like we’ve said publicly, we think what’s going on in Washington puts them at risk.”

The US federal government is responsible for many of the nation’s cybersecurity responsibilities, but individual states share important tasks to ensure their own networks, state organizations such as public schools, and critical infrastructure organizations such as water utilities. But some of that funding comes from Washington.

Earlier this month, Hochul wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Requests available funds under the Homeland Security Grants Program (HSGP). It provides state and local agencies with funding to improve security both in the real world and online.

“HSGP funding is essential to securing and maintaining critical infrastructure assets (transport hubs, power grids, water systems, communications networks),” wrote Hochul, urging Noem to access funds “quickly.”

Ahearn acknowledged the challenges with the federal government, but he said it does not mean that the state is “staying.”

“We continue to invest the time, resources and energy to build relationships with county and local governments across state and party lines.

According to Ahern, Hochul is speaking out and active in efforts to improve cybersecurity in New York.

last month, The Governor has signed a new law This requires the use of computers from a state, city, county, or district government agency in New York to receive cybersecurity awareness training. The law also requires a state government agency that is the victim of a cyberattack, report the incident to the Homeland Security Agency within 72 hours and pay ransomware within 24 hours.

Last week, Hochul New proposals have been announced The legislation launching a new grant program for water and wastewater organizations aims to help fund the upgrades they must come up with in order to comply with future regulations.

Ahern told TechCrunch that the state government has opened a new office in New York City, with several technicians on staff, including cybersecurity officers. Ahern said he wants to recruit people who have lost their jobs due to the Trump administration.

“Doge says you’ve been fired. New York says you’re employed,” Ahearn said, referring to the government’s masses. slogan For this employment.