Insight in Indian Country Podcast
Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations
2024 Update: The FEMA/CISA cybersecurity grant application process closed January 10th, 2024. What’s the best way to prepare for future cybersecurity grant opportunities that are bound to come? Listen to our latest episode on cybersecurity funding for Tribal Nations.
Is it time to strengthen your tribe’s cybersecurity? On September 27th, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the funding of a new grant—the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP)— to aid tribal leaders in protecting their communities against the risk and consequences of cyber-attacks.
Join host Wes Benally as he speaks with cybersecurity expert Brian Grayek about this new federal grant opportunity for Tribal Nations. With an urgent deadline of January 10, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security’s Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program provides $18.2 million in funding for tribes to enhance the security of their IT infrastructure and systems. Eligible grant applicants meeting the definition of a Federally Recognized Tribal Government must have submitted their Grant Application, received feedback from FEMA and CISA on required changes, and submitted those changes back before 5 pm ET on the January 10 deadline.
Wes and Brian discuss key details Tribes need to know about eligibility, requirements, the application process and more for this vital program aimed at strengthening cyber defenses in Indian Country. Tune in to gain insights and get your questions answered about this time-sensitive grant.
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REDW LLC is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!
Meet Your Hosts
Wesley Ryan Benally, CPA
REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader
As the leader of REDW’s National Tribal Practice, Wes is committed to improving financial literacy throughout Indian Country and hosts the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. He oversees audits of a wide range for Native American communities, state and local government agencies, and non-profits, nationwide, is a member of the Arizona State Board of Accountancy’s Peer Review Oversight Advisory Committee and serves as an instructor with Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute. In addition, as a Board member for a tribal gaming entity that operates in two states, Wes keeps up with regulatory issues important to tribal gaming operations. Wes is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
Brian Grayek, CISSP, CMMC-RP, CCSK, ITIL
Brian consults with clients to help manage and mitigate their cybersecurity risks. He has more than 40 years of experience in the field of Information Security, including as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), helping companies meet security regulations or prepare for a security audit. Responsible for developing security products and compliance services, and leading teams, Brian has focused his efforts on applications security, threat and vulnerability management, and running security operations centers for some of the largest enterprises in the world.
Compensation Studies—Your Key to Hiring & Retaining Top Talent.
It’s important to attract—and retain—the best employees to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your tribal organization. And given an exceptionally competitive labor market and the usual budget constraints, this means basing your employee compensation and benefits programs on relevant and reliable data.
More from Insight in Indian Country
- 2025 Tribal Leadership ConferenceFrom June 23-26, 2025 in Las Vegas, REDW will be joining with tribal leaders nationwide to share knowledge and insights on ways to ensure a prosperous future for tribal communities.
- Watch: Ransomware: Are You on a Hacker’s Hit List?Join the Cybersecurity experts from REDW for an interactive webinar that offers five critical defense strategies for safeguarding your Tribal organization, plus our free Cyber Incident Response Playbook.
- NAFOA 43rd Annual ConferenceFrom April 28-29 in New Orleans, REDW will be joining with tribes, state and federal government officials, and leading industry experts to discuss the latest economic issues in Indian Country.
- The true cost of reactive internal controls in tribal gaming operations.As tribal casinos handle more cash than most banks, proactive security measures have become crucial for protecting assets and communities.
- Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium 2025 Spring ConferenceAs a proud supporter and sponsor of the OTFC, REDW will be both speaking and exhibiting at this event.
