Whole-of-state program delivers security that’s ‘antivirus on steroids’

The Minnesota Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Plan offered a way forward. Developed by the Minnesota Information Technology Services’ Cybersecurity Task Force, the plan offers managed detection and response capabilities through a whole-of-state cybersecurity plan.

Announced in September 2023, the whole-of-state program uses $23 million in funding from the federal government’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and matching dollars from the Minnesota legislature to provide cybersecurity resources and tools, including CrowdStrike’s managed detection and response solution.

Under the plan, eligible entities, including localities, schools and tribal nations, get CrowdStrike hardware and a three-year subscription for managed detection and response software for free. After that, they pay through a cost-sharing model.