New $3.2 Million Grant Enhances Efforts to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure

Strengthening America's Lifeline Infrastructure

In a significant boost for national security, Craig Newmark has pledged an additional $3.2 million over two years for the UnDisruptable27 initiative, underscoring the urgency to protect the nation's essential infrastructure from looming cyber threats. This funding targets initiatives led by the Institute for Security and Technology (IST), aiming to shield critical systems that support the daily lives of Americans from hostile disruption.

The initiative has emerged in response to alarming insights surrounding the vulnerability of vital infrastructure, specifically as adversarial states like China aim to enhance their operational capacity by the year 2027. According to experts, the potential impacts of cyberattacks—including a breakdown in utilities such as water and electricity—could endanger lives and exacerbate existing public safety challenges.

As Joshua Corman from IST aptly states, "If we lose power, we lose water; if we lose water, we lose hospitals. This chain reaction has life-or-death implications." The UnDisruptable27 program intends to address this peril through expert outreach, community engagement, and storytelling that conveys the gravity of the risks involved.

The pilot phase of UnDisruptable27 was propelled by the initial funding from Newmark and prioritized building connections with stakeholders while emphasizing the interdependencies within lifeline sectors. This collaboration has revealed that healthcare facilities, which rely heavily on water and electricity, could experience severe ramifications from disruptions, placing countless lives at risk.

As the initiative transitions from piloting to full operation, it aims to escalate its efforts by directly engaging with hospital communities across the country. By concentrating its resources on a select group of hospitals, UnDisruptable27 intends to fortify their resilience against potential cyberattacks. The program will facilitate regional exercises tailored to equip these institutions for worst-case scenarios and document their experiences, fostering a collective learning environment among around 6,000 hospitals nationally.

Heading the UnDisruptable27 project, Corman's decade-long commitment to enhancing cybersecurity for critical infrastructure reflects the program's importance in today's landscape. Joined by experts such as Nicholas Leiserson, who specializes in translating policy into impactful strategies, IST is determined to optimize the program's efficacy.

Newmark, emphasizing the proactive stance needed to address these imminent threats, stated, "This isn't a future threat. We're under attack now, and everyone needs to participate in safeguarding our critical infrastructure." With just 18 months to bolster the nation's resilience against cyberattacks, the pressure is mounting to act swiftly and decisively.

IST has been at the forefront of tackling contemporary security challenges since its formation in 2020, covering a range of issues, from cyber threats to the implications of artificial intelligence. Their collaborative approach encourages dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts to create actionable solutions.

Corman's sentiments reflect the critical nature of this initiative, reinforcing that with lives at stake, timely action is essential. Many view UnDisruptable27 as a beacon of hope amid the complexities of modern national security, driving home the message that the security of America's core public infrastructure is a shared responsibility.

About IST

The Institute for Security and Technology is a mission-oriented think tank aimed at addressing the intersection of technology and safety. Their work strives to bring together diverse stakeholders to forge solutions for rapidly evolving security threats affecting both domestic and global stability. Through initiatives like UnDisruptable27, IST exemplifies the proactive stance needed to navigate the modern security landscape and protect vital resources for the American populace.

About Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Craig Newmark is known as the founder of craigslist, but his philanthropic efforts focus significantly on supporting initiatives that enhance democracy and security in America. With over $300 million allocated towards various causes including cybersecurity education and support for veterans, Newmark's commitment to social responsibility continues to make a substantial impact. He emphasizes the importance of community action in addressing current threats to public infrastructure and safety.