Director Steve Hooke is pleased to announce that the Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center has been named a recipient in the 2024 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant Program.
The Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant Program, offered by the state Executive Office of Technology Services & Security (EOTSS) and its Office of Municipal and School Technology, supports the efforts of municipalities and school districts to improve overall cybersecurity. Awards were announced on Jan. 25.
According to the EOTSS, participants begin their training with an initial cyber strength assessment to measure baseline cybersecurity awareness. Following the assessments, periodic assessments consisting of training modules and simulated phishing email campaigns help participants build good cyber hygiene habits to increase their awareness of deceptive techniques used by bad actors to gain unauthorized access to government systems. At the end of the program, participants complete a final cyber strength assessment to measure their progress.
IT Network Administrator Joseph Gracia applied for the grant on behalf of the HRECC. This is the fourth year Gracia has received the grant.
“It is important that all of our employees receive this annual training because it helps Holbrook maintain a secure environment,” Gracia said. “These trainings not only help keep our networks safe but also help our staff keep their home networks and personal information safe by teaching everyone what to look out for when it comes to unsolicited emails, texts and calls. We are the first lines of defense when it comes to keeping the network and all of our shared information safe and secure.”
Overall, the 2024 program will provide over 78,000 employees from 227 municipalities and public school districts across the Commonwealth with critical cybersecurity training.
“Our administration is committed to partnering with our municipalities to move forward on our shared IT and cybersecurity goals,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “We are thrilled to see so many cities and towns prioritize cyber readiness through the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant Program.”
For more on the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant Program, click here.
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