New York

To guard against phishing-based ransomware attacks, the state is outfitting 161 of its jurisdictions and other public-sector organizations with hardware-based protection. And it's not alone.

Various State University of New York schools are working with University at Albany, Binghamton University, University at Buffalo and Stony Brook University on AI programming and research for students and faculty.

After a phishing incident in December initially cost Warren County over $3.3 million, officials may soon pass a thorough computer use policy for county employees that will touch on related issues.

Among the recommendations from last year’s audit was creating a high-level management role to oversee tech. The city’s inaugural CIO is its now-former director of digital services.

Siwei Lyu, a computer science professor and expert on AI-generated media like deepfakes, will lead the University at Buffalo's Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

The appointment of Eleonore Fournier-Tombs as chief AI officer and Stephen Graham as chief digital officer signals a more coordinated approach to AI, tech policy and public services as leadership roles evolve.

The new unit, part of the Office of Information Technology Services’ statewide strategy, will focus on New York State Police’s specific needs while preserving shared IT services like AI and information security.

New York state Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on Friday — the RAISE Act — that creates safety requirements for AI developers and establishes a new oversight entity, which will issue annual reports.

New York state's policy banning students from having personal devices during the school day have led to improved concentration among students, though some parents have expressed concerns.

The renewal of a state grant program for local public agencies focuses on cybersecurity and other areas that involve gov tech. Officials encourage governments to partner on projects that could receive funding.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is pouring an additional $40 million into the clean energy workforce with aims of upping the state’s nuclear and AI capabilities.

State police announced on Wednesday the total number of tickets issued for the holiday enforcement period which began Nov. 26 and ran through Sunday, Nov. 30.

A recent survey of school administrators found that 92 percent reported a “smooth transition” during the first few months of the state's new phone policy, and 83 percent reported a more positive and engaged environment.

A multistate agreement between New York, California, Connecticut and Illuminate Education reinforces growing expectations that technology vendors take stronger measures to protect student information.

With the average cost of breaches on the rise, cybersecurity must be regarded like any other disaster, according to the Local Government Cybersecurity Alliance. Residual costs of incidents must be accounted for, a co-founder said.

As the invasive insect spreads, putting plant populations like grapevines and their related industries at risk, governments at all levels are using technology like drones and GIS to monitor the issue.

The endeavor is intended to train thousands of staffers on AI fundamentals using real-world applications, through a collaboration with InnovateUS. Other state and local governments are engaged in similar training.

Jacob, the state’s former chief digital transformation officer, succeeds longtime executive deputy CIO Jennifer Lorenz. His priorities will include helping provide AI education and training to the state workforce.