MS-ISAC cybersecurity network moves to paid membership model

When the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center’s federal funding stream ends on Oct. 1, it will pivot from being free to a paid membership model for state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) governments.

For more than two decades, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) has provided no-cost cybersecurity support through its federal funding, authorized by Congress via a contract with the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Its membership as of May included more than 18,000 state, local, tribal and territorial governments, according to a recent report. Among its offerings are threat intelligence, cybersecurity tools, a security operations center, a 24/7 assistance line, professional development and collaborative information sharing. It is part of the Center for Internet Security.

The MS-ISAC’s website attributes the shift to a fee-based model “to significant decreases in federal funding.” The Center for Internet Security has temporarily covered the cost of services since March, but this support will also end without a paid membership. The website explains that the move is intended to create a “sustainable, member-driven approach” that ensures these services remain available to governments nationwide. Membership dues are tiered, based on entity size.

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