By: @Lilia Hernandez
On Monday, August 10, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new executive order as an immediate operational directive for implementation of an AI cyber defense program in California. This order builds upon Executive Order N-12-23, requiring state agencies to evaluate the threats and potential use cases of emerging technology. The Newsom administration later expanded the framework by issuing Executive Order N-5-26 earlier this year, mandating that agencies review state AI procurement structures and supply chain issues. The recent order directs 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. Specifically, the executive order directs state agencies to do the following:
- 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.
Monday’s executive order comes on the heels of a severe cyberattack on Suisun City on August 7, 2026, that forced the city to shut down its technology network and prompted the Suisun City Council to declare a local state of emergency. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and California Office of Emergency Services are working closely with the city to assess the breach and preserve evidence. The executive order also aims to offset proposed 2027 federal budget cuts that would reduce funding for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency by an estimated $707 million. Discussion of long-term funding for the $1 billion State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program is currently unknown as it soon comes to an end.
Click here to view the Governor’s official press release. To overview an in-depth analysis of the previous executive order, click here.
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