Strengthening Puerto Rico’s Cybersecurity: A Look at the New Cybersecurity Plan
- Daniel Ortiz
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
The SLCGP will provide over $12.6 million over four years in federal grant funding to help boost the cybersecurity posture and reduce systemic cyber risk to Government of Puerto Rico (GPR) agencies, municipalities, and critical infrastructure sector entities across the island.
The Puerto Rico Cybersecurity Plan was created thanks to the grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security, No. EMW-2022-CY-00035.
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and governments worldwide are taking action to protect their critical infrastructure and citizen data. In Puerto Rico, a comprehensive cybersecurity initiative has been launched to enhance digital security across the island. But why was this plan developed, and how does it benefit the people of Puerto Rico? Let’s break it down.
Why Was Puerto Rico’s Cybersecurity Plan Created?
The Puerto Rico Cybersecurity Plan serves as a strategic roadmap to fortify the island’s digital landscape. Developed as part of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), this two-year initiative is a prerequisite for Puerto Rico’s participation in the federal cybersecurity funding program.
The plan was meticulously crafted by the Puerto Rico Cybersecurity Planning Committee before being submitted to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for review. In September 2023, CISA swiftly approved the plan within a day, underscoring its urgency and importance.
The Role of the Puerto Rico Cybersecurity Planning Committee
At the heart of this initiative is the Puerto Rico Cybersecurity Planning Committee, led by Chief Technology Officer Antonio Ramos Guardiola. This committee plays a crucial role in:
Developing and updating the cybersecurity strategy to adapt to emerging threats.
Identifying high-priority projects that need funding to strengthen Puerto Rico’s digital security.
Overseeing the implementation of cybersecurity initiatives across government agencies and municipalities.
Their mission is clear: to enhance cybersecurity resilience by securing critical data, systems, and essential government services.
Why Does This Matter for Puerto Rico’s Citizens?
Every day, government agencies and local municipalities handle vast amounts of sensitive information, including personally identifiable information (PII) of Puerto Rico’s residents. This includes financial data, medical records, and other critical information that, if compromised, could pose serious risks to individuals and businesses alike.
The SLCGP-backed cybersecurity projects aim to:
Identify and assess potential cyber threats before they become major security incidents.
Strengthen the protection of sensitive citizen data against cyberattacks.
Ensure the continuity of essential public services, such as healthcare, emergency response, and public safety systems.
By investing in cybersecurity infrastructure and proactive risk mitigation, Puerto Rico is taking a significant step toward a safer, more resilient digital future.