KLC Offers Cybersecurity Preparedness Grant

Kentucky League of Cities Insurance Services is taking steps to help cities become more cyber secure. In November 2021, a new $1 million KLCIS Cybersecurity Preparedness Grant was introduced to help liability policyholders secure vital data. Grant amounts can reach up to $15,000, and cities can use the funds for various preventive measures.

Municipalities are often the target of cybercriminals. In 2020, 44% of global ransomware attacks involved municipalities. Harvard Business Review reports ransomware attacks in general increased 150% last year. City governments should anticipate becoming a victim and take steps to ensure basic protections are in place.

The KLC Insurance Services Cybersecurity Preparedness Grant can be used to identify possible security weaknesses, institute multi-factor authentication, create a data backup and disaster recovery system, add advanced threat protection software, and for endpoint detection and response (EDR). You can read more on these basic steps and the grant here.

The grant period was set to expire June 30, 2023. However, the KLC Insurance Services Board has extended that period to Sept. 30, 2023. Amounts are based on billed liability premiums and will range from $1,000 to $15,000.

KLC Immediate Past President and Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott highlighted the need for KLC to lead the effort to keep city data secure. “KLC has an interest in cybersecurity as an advocate for city governments and as an insurance provider for municipalities and organizations that serve cities,” he said. “The unique circumstances surrounding cities and the data they collect make them very susceptible to attackers. KLC wants to ensure every city has basic protections, and we hope the new Cybersecurity Preparedness Grant will help our insurance members institute systems and processes to safeguard data.”

To obtain the grant, members will need to log into their klc.org account. Once logged in, scroll down until you see "Member Resources" on the bottom right side (see desktop example on the right) or at the bottom in mobile view. Then, click on "Cybersecurity Preparedness Grant " at the bottom of the member resources list to upload the Acknowledgement Form and receive a confirmation email.

As part of the KLC cybersecurity mission, Cornerstone Partner VC3 provides KLC Insurance Services members reduced pricing for the Cybersecurity Essentials Package. 

The Cybersecurity Preparedness Grant is made possible through KLC Insurance Services ‒ a self-insured, member-owned program governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of representatives from the participating members. Cities, their agencies, boards, commissions, units of local government, and other non-profit public purpose organizations are eligible to participate in KLCIS.

Not a KLC Insurance Services liability customer? Please get in touch with Jeremy Baird to discuss how KLC Insurance Services can help protect your organization.