Whole-of-state cyber defense: How AI-driven security helps US states protect what matters most

To combat attackers who exploit fragmented local networks, US states are transitioning toward a "whole-of-state" cybersecurity model that treats the entire regional ecosystem as a shared defensive perimeter. This collaborative approach utilizes AI-driven analytics and distributed architectures to enable coordinated threat detection and response while preserving agency autonomy and data sovereignty. By strengthening vulnerable entities like school districts and small municipalities, this strategy protects essential citizen services and enhances overall national resilience.