Governor Newsom announces new AI cyber defense program to protect California’s critical infrastructure

Strengthening California’s defenses against emerging artificial intelligence-enabled cyber threats, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a first-in-the-nation initiative to protect state assets and critical infrastructure while advancing responsible AI innovation. Building on California’s nation-leading 2023 and 2026 Executive Orders on Artificial Intelligence, the Governor is directing state agencies to establish an AI Cyber Defense Program, strengthen cybersecurity coordination across state government, expand AI-enabled defenses for critical infrastructure and local governments, and improve preparedness for emerging AI cybersecurity incidents. To strengthen California’s preparedness, the Governor is directing agencies to:

• Establish an AI Cyber Defense Program within the California Cybersecurity Integration Center to leverage AI for vulnerability detection, network hardening, and incident response to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity posture and protect critical infrastructure.
• Expand access to advanced cybersecurity capabilities for local governments and critical infrastructure partners, including AI-enabled defenses.
• Designate an AI Cybersecurity Officer in every state agency.