Table of contents
- Trump’s cyber security cuts spark alarm
- New York stands its ground
- Mandatory training and faster breach reporting
- A new cyber security office in NYC
- The political-cyber clash is just beginning
Trump’s cyber security cuts spark alarm
In the early months of his new presidency, Donald Trump made a bold and controversial move: cutting over $1.2 billion in federal cyber security funding, impacting agencies like CISA and suspending critical programs. The Cyber security and Infrastructure Security Agency alone lost $135 million, along with over 100 layoffs, some later reversed by court order.
The so-called “Big Ugly Bill” redirected funds to offensive cyber operations abroad, leaving domestic defense underfunded.
New York stands its ground
New York’s cyber security chief Colin Ahern and Governor Kathy Hochul strongly criticized the cuts: “These moves weaken our ability to counter external cyber threats.”
Hochul sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, requesting emergency funds through the Homeland Security Grant Program, emphasizing states’ reliance on federal support.
Mandatory training and faster breach reporting
To mitigate the risk, New York passed a law requiring all public employees using computers to undergo digital hygiene training. Additionally:
- Cyber incidents must be reported within 72 hours
- If data is stolen, reporting is required within 24 hours
A grant program is also planned to upgrade water and sewage systems, often targeted by hackers.
A new cyber security office in NYC
To absorb federal layoffs, New York announced the opening of a new cyber security office in Manhattan, planning to hire professionals let go by Washington. The symbolic public campaign slogan reads:
“DOGE says: You’re fired. New York says: You’re hired.”
The political-cyber clash is just beginning
While the White House shifts toward offensive cyber strategies, states like New York are investing in infrastructure defense.
The tension is growing, turning cyber security into a key political battleground.
