Red Bank accepts state-administered DHS cybersecurity grant to offset IT security costs

The Red Bank Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the city to participate in a state-administered portion of the federal FY2023 Department of Homeland Security state and local cybersecurity grant and to accept $59,922.60 if awarded.

Chief Seymour described the award as a reimbursement grant "100% just as long as the expenses qualify to meet that new, new grants," and said the funding can offset costs tied to cybersecurity infrastructure and processes.

Commissioners asked about implementation and vendors. Staff said the grant flows through the state's finance/administration office and that the state provides a no-cost security assessment ("scribe IT review") and technical feedback. Mr. Graham described currently planned and qualifying activities, including rolling out multifactor authentication, improving firewalls and employee phishing-challenge training. "So those are the kinds of things that we can do to really, harden our our city against a cyber attack," Graham said.

Officials also discussed the practical benefits of the work for insurance and risk management: improved cyber posture can reduce premiums and expand insurability, they said. The resolution passed without public opposition.

The city clerk recorded the motion and commissioners approved the resolution on the consent agenda. Staff will follow grant requirements to document qualifying expenses and return to the commission as needed for acceptance of funds and implementation decisions.