NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Gov. Kathy Hochul was joined by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other local leaders on Tuesday to announce the formation of the nation's first Joint Security Operations Center as New York remains on high alert for cyber threats as Russia starts to invade Ukraine.
The center, located in Brooklyn, "will serve as the nerve center for joint local, state and federal cyber efforts, including data collection, response efforts and information sharing," according to a press release.
Hochul said the center will share intelligence and help localities identify threats and respond to incidents quicker.
"We can't expect cities and counties to go it alone. They don't have the resources, they don't have the technological know-how," Hochul said.
Adams said this move is critical.
"If we get it right, we can prevent the loss of time, the loss of billions of dollars, and a loss of our livelihood and in some cases, the loss of lives," Adams said.
The partnership includes Adams, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, and cyber leaders across the state.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Information Technology Services, New York State Police, MTA, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the New York Power Authority will also be involved to make sure New York's critical businesses and utilities are protected.
"There is a new type of emerging risk that threatens our daily lives, and just as we improved our physical security infrastructure in the aftermath of 9/11, we must now transform how we approach cybersecurity with that same rigor and seriousness," Hochul said. "Cybersecurity has been a priority for my administration since Day 1, and this command center will strengthen our ability to protect New York's institutions, infrastructure, our citizens and public safety."
The state will work with city and regional leaders on cyber trainings and exercises over the coming months.
Hochul and her administration will also continue ongoing conversations with the White House and federal partners to ensure coordination, according to the governor's office.
The plan includes $30 million for local governments to bolster their own cyber defenses statewide.
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