Cal OES says 812 California agencies have joined its free cyber threat-sharing sponsorship

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services said Oct. 6 that 812 California entities have enrolled through Cal OES in its free sponsorship of the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, or MS-ISAC, which gives eligible state, local and tribal agencies 24/7 cybersecurity expertise, threat information and tools to prevent and respond to cyber incidents. The office is using Cybersecurity Awareness Month to urge every eligible agency to sign up.

The sponsorship runs through the California Cybersecurity Integration Center, or Cal-CSIC, and covers public agencies including schools, utilities and emergency services, Cal OES said.

Through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, Cal OES said it has awarded 114 grants to tribal governments, cities, counties, community services districts, schools, water and sanitation districts and other public agencies. The next round, announced in January 2026, has nearly $11.5 million available, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The office also described Cyber Dawn 2026, a statewide exercise that combined hands-on technical training with digital forensics and incident response teams working alongside state and local IT staff. Cal OES said lessons from the exercise will guide future training and coordination.

Cal-CSIC offers agencies vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, forensic incident response and tailored threat intelligence, including phishing analysis, according to Cal OES. Agencies can request services at caloes.ca.gov/cyber. The California Cybersecurity Task Force, an advisory group within Cal-CSIC, has seven subcommittees, including one on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology that professionals can apply to join through the task force portal.

For individuals, Cal OES listed 10 tips, including using unique, complex passwords, turning on multi-factor authentication, keeping software updated, watching for phishing, securing home Wi-Fi by changing router defaults, backing up data and checking bank and credit card accounts for unauthorized charges.

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