The City of Kingston is among 153 New York communities receiving state funding to protect its water system from cyberattacks, Governor Kathy Hochul announced August 3, 2026. The grant comes as municipalities across the state face increasingly sophisticated digital threats targeting critical infrastructure.
Kingston will receive funding through the Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancements (SECURE) program, part of more than $9 million in grants awarded statewide. The Hudson Valley region will see 17 communities divide nearly $700,000 in funding, with Kingston joining nearby Red Hook and Dutchess County in receiving support.
Why Water Systems Need Cybersecurity Upgrades
Modern water treatment and distribution systems rely heavily on digital controls and internet-connected technologies. These systems manage everything from water quality monitoring to pump operations and chemical treatment processes. While technology has made water systems more efficient, it has also created new vulnerabilities.
The threat is real: Recent cyberattacks on water systems in Minnesota and other states have demonstrated the potential for digital intrusions to disrupt essential services and threaten public health.
"As systems increasingly rely on digital and internet-connected technologies, the need for cybersecurity safeguards continues to grow," the governor's office stated in the announcement. "Strengthening cybersecurity helps reduce the risk of a cyberattack that could disrupt utilities for residents and threaten the water supplies that drive local economies."
What the Funding Will Cover
The SECURE grants support a range of cybersecurity improvements for water and wastewater systems. While specific projects for Kingston haven't been detailed, typical upgrades funded through the program include:
- Risk assessments and vulnerability testing of digital control systems
- Operator training on cybersecurity best practices
- Implementation of network monitoring and intrusion detection systems
- Upgrades to firewalls and access controls
- Incident response planning and testing
- Segregation of operational technology from business networks
The program is part of New York State's broader effort to protect critical infrastructure. The SECURE program represents the first-of-its-kind state directives requiring risk assessments, operator training, cybersecurity controls, and incident reporting for water systems statewide.
Kingston's Water Infrastructure
Kingston's water system serves approximately 10,000 residents in the city and surrounding areas. The system draws from the Esopus Creek and includes treatment facilities, storage tanks, and miles of distribution infrastructure. Like many older systems, Kingston's has undergone significant modernization in recent decades, adding digital controls and remote monitoring capabilities.
The cybersecurity grant comes at a critical time. In 2025, the city completed upgrades to its water treatment facility, adding new digital monitoring systems to improve efficiency and compliance with state regulations. These same systems now need protection from digital threats.
Regional Impact
Kingston is not alone in facing these challenges. Across the Hudson Valley, 17 communities will share in the cybersecurity funding, including:
- The Village of Red Hook
- Dutchess County water systems
- Numerous towns and villages throughout Ulster, Dutchess, and surrounding counties
The regional approach reflects the interconnected nature of water infrastructure and the shared threat landscape facing municipalities of all sizes.
What This Means for Residents
For Kingston residents, the cybersecurity grant translates to improved protection of essential services. While most residents may never notice the digital upgrades, they provide a critical backstop against potential disruptions.
"These investments help ensure that when residents turn on their taps, they can be confident that the water flowing out is safe and that the systems controlling it are secure from digital threats."
The upgrades also protect against potential financial impacts. Cyberattacks on municipal systems can result in costly emergency responses, system repairs, and service interruptions. By investing in prevention, the city can avoid these expenses and maintain reliable service.
Looking Ahead
The SECURE grant program represents an ongoing commitment to infrastructure security. As cyber threats continue to evolve, municipalities like Kingston will need to remain vigilant and continue updating their defenses.
City officials have not yet announced specific timelines for implementing the cybersecurity upgrades, but the funding provides a critical resource for protecting one of Kingston's most essential services. Residents can expect to see improvements in system security over the coming months as the city works to implement the grant-funded projects.
For more information about Kingston's water system and ongoing infrastructure improvements, residents can visit the city's website or contact the Department of Public Works.
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Good to know they upgraded the treatment plant last year and are now actually thinking about securing those new digital systems. Would have been nice to do both at the same time but better late than never I guess.
Terri M.Yeah I had the same thought. Kind of backwards to install all that new digital equipment first and then figure out the security after. But honestly most municipalities do it that way, the tech budget and the security budget never seem to be on the same timeline.