State of Maine
Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management
Maine Emergency Management Agency
CONTACT: Vanessa Sperrey
CELL PHONE: (207) 592-6201
EMAIL: vanessa.sperrey@maine.gov
Augusta, ME – The State of Maine's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Office of Information Technology (OIT) are pleased to announce the successful deployment of multi-factor authentication (MFA) services through Year 1 of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). This achievement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the SLCGP Planning Committee, which included representatives from various departments and agencies who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this initiative. The SLCGP is a multi-year initiative funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that aims to bolster the cybersecurity defenses of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. This deployment marks a significant achievement in strengthening the cybersecurity posture of counties, municipalities, and K-12 school districts across Maine.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that makes it harder for unauthorized people to access a system. Instead of just using a password, MFA requires users to provide two or more pieces of information to prove their identity. For example, you might need to enter a pin (something you know) and insert a small device (something you have) that you plug into your computer to confirm your identity.
For local government entities and school districts, using MFA helps protect sensitive information, like personal data and financial records, from cyber threats. This added layer of security reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, ensuring that important information stays safe and secure. Ultimately, this helps maintain the trust and security of the community.
The State of Maine procured YubiKeys from Yubico, a leading provider of hardware-based authentication solutions. These YubiKeys were provided at no cost to eligible counties, municipalities, and K-12 school districts that opted into Year 1 of this multi-year grant program. Approximately 11,300 YubiKeys were deployed to 65 participating local entities.
The deployment was facilitated by Yubico and the State of Maine, including pre-deployment webinars, live office hours, direct assistance, technical workshops, and ongoing resources to help recipients implement MFA within their organizations. Feedback from participating entities has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants have expressed confidence in their ability to implement the YubiKeys within their organizations, thanks to the extensive support they received throughout the process.
The application window for eligible local entities to participate in Year 2 of the SLCGP is now open until May 30, 2025. County Administrators, Town Managers, and K-12 Superintendents were notified via email on April 30, 2025, with detailed instructions on how to participate. This initiative is crucial in advancing Maine's cybersecurity readiness, ensuring our communities are better equipped and more resilient against cyber threats. Together, we are building a safer, more secure future for Maine.
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