California launches AI cyber defense program to protect critical infrastructure

What happened

Governor Newsom directed state agencies to establish an AI Cyber Defense Program within the California Cybersecurity Integration Center, expand access to AI-enabled cybersecurity defenses for local governments and critical infrastructure partners, and designate an AI Cybersecurity Officer in every state agency. The move follows disclosures that advanced AI systems could independently carry out sophisticated cyber operations in controlled tests, while adversaries increasingly use AI to facilitate cheaper and more effective attacks.

Why it matters

The program aims to strengthen California's preparedness against AI-enabled cyber threats and protect essential services such as water, power, transportation, and emergency communications. It comes as federal support shrinks, including a proposed $707 million cut to CISA, the end of federal funding for MS-ISAC, and uncertainty over the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, leaving state and local governments to fill the gap.