Hancock Awarded Cybersecurity Grant
JANUARY 10, 2025-- Allan Hancock College will expand and strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities thanks to a recently awarded grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
The college will receive $125,525 from the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
(SG Program). The funding will support critical initiatives to address cybersecurity
risks, protect information systems and bolster the security and resilience of essential
services at the college.
“We are honored to receive this grant and are committed to enhancing our cybersecurity
infrastructure to safeguard the college’s digital resources and the data of our students
and community,” said Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers,
Ph.D. “This funding will play a vital role in strengthening our defenses against evolving
cyber threats.”
According to the college’s Executive Director of Information Technology Services Andy
Specht, Ph.D., the funds will specifically be used to support the college’s security
information and event management (SIEM) software, complete security testing for Hancock’s
cloud environments, and help the college modernize its network.
“All of these projects will make our information systems safer and protect student
and employee accounts,” said Specht. “We are always reviewing and improving our security
practices at the college. Hancock has thousands of employees and students who use
our systems, and it’s our goal to make sure everything is secure but also easy to
access.”
The SG Program is part of a statewide effort to enhance cybersecurity readiness and
resilience. Administered in coordination with the California Department of Technology
(CDT) and the California Government Operations Agency (GovOps), the program awarded
$22.6 million to 113 entities across California, including state agencies, local governments,
school districts, special districts, and tribal governments.
“These resources will support state, local, and tribal government entities to strengthen
their defenses and protect the people of California and their data against cyber threats,”
said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward.
