Mike Waldner has been hired to serve as the director for South Dakota’s newly established Municipal Cybersecurity Grant Program. He began his new position last week (Nov. 18, 2024). Waldner has had leadership roles in various programs throughout the state, including the: efforts to install the South Dakota’s first internet connection and create the state’s internet presence, K-12 Data Center Project, FirstNet law enforcement network and ConnectSD broadband initiative. Waldner says it’s a “privilege to be part of this initiative that will have a real impact on the security of South Dakota’s communities.” In 2023, the Center for Internet Security reported a 51% increase in ransomware incidents targeting state and local governments. The initiative, funded through Senate Bill 187, will enhance the cybersecurity infrastructure of South Dakota’s municipalities by providing secure email solutions, technical support, risk assessments and specialized training to strengthen the defenses of local governments against cyber threats. The Attorney General’s Office was given oversight of the grant program. The Municipal Cybersecurity Grant Program is supported by an advisory council comprising experts from various sectors: State Agencies Consumer Protection, Jody Gillaspie Secretary of State, Monae Johnson Dakota State University Ashley Podhradsky, VP Research and Economic Development Arica Kulm, Director of Digital Forensics, Leader of Project Boundary Fence Law Enforcement SD Sheriffs Association, Staci Ackerman Dave Ackerman, Sheriff Counties and Municipalities South Dakota Association of County Commissioners, Eric Erickson Minnehaha County, Monte Watembach City of Pierre/Hughes County, Craig Waldron City of Sioux Falls, McKenzie Hermanson Executive Director, South Dakota Association of County Commissioners, Kris Jacobson Lawrence County, Greg Dias Brown County, Pat Wolberg South Dakota Municipal League, Sara Rankin South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems, Jeremiah Corbin Federal Cybersecurity Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Jim Edman Statewide Cybersecurity Industries SBS CyberSecurity, Chad Knutson Golden West, Eric Eisenbraun Servos, Pat Snow