WaTech partners with UC Berkeley to protect nonprofits from cyber threats

 "Bill Kehoe"
WaTech Director Bill Kehoe

Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is partnering with the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity to conduct a statewide survey assessing the cybersecurity readiness of nonprofit organizations. Funded by a $500,000 grant from Okta, the project will survey 500 nonprofits starting July 2025, focusing on their digital security practices and vulnerabilities. The goal is to bolster the digital defenses of nonprofits that provide critical community services and often lack dedicated IT staff, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and the continuity of essential programs.

“The real benefit of this partnership is the focus on people who get vital services in Washington — no matter where those services come from — government, or non-profits,” WaTech Director and State CIO Bill Kehoe told StateScoop. “By protecting non-profit organizations from cyberattacks, we’re working to ensure people get the best from their state or local governments.”

For more information, please see StateScoop's coverage.