In response to escalating cyber threats, Maryland has launched the Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force, a collaborative initiative aimed at bolstering the state’s cyber defenses. The task force includes members from the Maryland Air National Guard, Maryland Army National Guard, and Maryland Defense Force, all of whom bring specialized skills in defensive cyber operations. “The Maryland Military Department has units and personnel that are trained in and specialize in defensive cyber operations,” said Maryland Air National Guard Col. Thomas Herster, the J6 for Maryland National Guard Joint Staff. These service members will perform various functions such as cyber threat hunting, attack analysis, cybersecurity engineering, and penetration testing to protect the state’s digital infrastructure.
Governor Wes Moore announced the task force’s establishment on January 8th, emphasizing the need for a whole-of-government approach to counter cyber threats. The Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force will draw on the expertise of the Maryland Military Department’s cyber professionals, who will serve in a state active duty status. Additionally, the task force includes a multidisciplinary team of cybersecurity specialists, policymakers, and representatives from the Maryland Department of Information Technology and Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM). “Through statewide coordination and support to local jurisdictions, MDEM ensures cyber preparedness, fostering a resilient network of stakeholders ready to respond to and recover from disruptions,” stated Russ Strickland, Secretary of Emergency Management.
State Defense Forces across the country, including the Maryland Defense Force, play a crucial role in supporting National Guard cyber defense units. These State Defense Forces actively recruit IT specialists who bring their professional expertise to enhance state and national cybersecurity efforts. By integrating these civilian professionals into their ranks, State Defense Forces can provide critical support in defending against cyber threats, ensuring both state and national digital security. This collaboration underscores the vital role that State Defense Forces play in augmenting National Guard capabilities and maintaining robust cyber defenses.
Facing the frontlines of cyber defense, Maryland steps up with the Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force.
Members of the Maryland Air National Guard, Maryland Army National Guard, and Maryland Defense Force are ready to use their skills to support this new security effort.
“The Maryland Military Department has units and personnel that are trained in and specialize in defensive cyber operations,” said Maryland Air National Guard Col. Thomas Herster, the J6 for Maryland National Guard Joint Staff. “The mission tasks of these units and the specialized skills of our service members directly correlate to the work tasks of the Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force.”
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Md. Military Department task force established to counter cyber threats in the state
March 13, 2024
by 2nd Lt. Enjoli Saunders
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – On January 8th, Gov. Wes Moore announced the establishment of the Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force to counter the rising threats of cyberattacks within the state utilizing Maryland Military Department cyber professionals.
Members of the Maryland Air National Guard, Maryland Army National Guard, and Maryland Defense Force will fill a range of defensive cyber functions as part of the state’s whole-of-government approach to addressing cyber threats.
“The Maryland Military Department has units and personnel that are trained in and specialize in defensive cyber operations,” said Maryland Air National Guard Col. Thomas Herster, the J6 for Maryland National Guard Joint Staff. “The mission tasks of these units and the specialized skills of our service members directly correlate to the work tasks of the Maryland Cyber Task Force.”
Maryland Military Department members on the cyber task force serve in a state active duty status. They will serve as cyber threat hunters, cyber attack analysts, cyber security engineers, or network and systems penetration testers.
“The state will be tapping into this unit to add personnel focused on system monitoring, incident response and vulnerability remediation efforts,” said Maryland Department of Information Technology Secretary Katie Savage at a press conference at the State House in Annapolis.
Maryland Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, adjutant general for Maryland, who was joined by other Maryland National Guard leaders there, committed to supporting state and local government organizations to mitigate the threat posed by increasingly dangerous cyber attacks.
Beyond the National Guard contribution, the task force encompasses a multidisciplinary team, including cybersecurity specialists, policymakers, and representatives from the Maryland Department of Information Technology and Maryland Department of Emergency Management in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security to foster a whole-of-government approach to proactive cybersecurity within the state.
“The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is proud to play a key role in fortifying our State’s defenses against cyber security threats,” Russ Strickland, secretary of Emergency Management. “Through statewide coordination and support to local jurisdictions, MDEM ensures cyber preparedness, fostering a resilient network of stakeholders ready to respond to and recover from disruptions.”
The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security assisted with developing the task force concept and bringing stakeholders together, while MDEM will take the lead in assisting organizations with identifying needs.
“In our first year, we learned that it isn’t enough to rebuild state government—we need to modernize state government too,” said Moore. “Together, we will bolster cybersecurity across the public sector so we remain safe from cyberattacks. By modernizing state government, we will better address our community challenges and we will better assert Maryland’s leadership in this decade.”
State and local governments may request assistance through the Maryland Department of Information Technology and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management cyber preparedness unit.
Source: Maryland National Guard – Maryland National Guard Social
