The Louisiana State Guard (State Defense Force – LASG) continues to stand at the forefront of state-level cybersecurity readiness through its dedicated Cyber Reserve Team. Earlier this April, the team conducted a comprehensive cyber readiness drill at Camp Minden and Training Center Pineville, drawing cyber professionals from across Louisiana for a weekend of hands-on, mission-focused training.
These training exercises are a routine part of the LASG Cyber Reserve Team’s operational cycle, designed to ensure team members are equipped to counter evolving digital threats. The recent drill included Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) coursework and specialized training in Microsoft Windows cyber incident response protocols—critical tools for recognizing and mitigating real-world cyber threats.
One of the key features of the exercise was a cybersecurity threat briefing focused on the recently released national advisory regarding the “fast flux” vulnerability. This technique, used by cyber adversaries to rapidly alter Domain Name System (DNS) records and obscure server locations, poses a serious challenge to traditional detection methods. The advisory, jointly issued by the FBI, NSA, CISA, and allied international partners, urged Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs) to enhance their analytics and blocking capabilities—especially through the use of Protective DNS (PDNS) solutions.
“This drill highlights the commitment of our Cyber Reserve Team to stay ahead of evolving threats and provide professional, mission-ready support to our state,” stated Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard. “Cybersecurity is homeland security, and I’m proud of the work these members are doing to safeguard Louisiana’s digital infrastructure.”
The drill also welcomed several new members who were officially sworn into service, expanding the reach and capability of the Cyber Reserve Team. As part of their ongoing mission, the team continues to support the Louisiana National Guard and Louisiana Military Department with critical cyber defense expertise, operational support, and emergency response readiness.
The Louisiana State Guard is far from alone in its efforts to defend against digital threats. Across the country, many State Defense Forces have stood up cyber defense units to support and augment their National Guard counterparts. These units are becoming integral components in national cybersecurity strategy.
The Maryland Defense Force, Ohio State Defense Force, and Virginia Defense Force, and many others have all developed robust cyber teams that regularly integrate with the Army National Guard’s 91st Cyber Brigade. Activated on September 1, 2017, the 91st Cyber Brigade is the Army National Guard’s first and only cyber brigade, encompassing five battalions, numerous cybersecurity and cyber warfare companies, and 11 Cyber Protection Teams. Spread across more than 30 states, the brigade plays a vital role in supporting U.S. Cyber Command and Army Cyber Command, while also participating in high-profile operations such as the Cyber Shield exercise series and Task Force Echo rotations.
Additionally, the Ohio State Defense Force’s Cyber Reserve unit played a critical role in protecting the state’s digital infrastructure during the 2022 elections—demonstrating the importance of state-level cyber defense forces in national election security.
The importance of these efforts was underscored during a recent Commanders Briefing interview with Major General Leon Lott, Commanding General of the South Carolina State Guard. General Lott identified cyber threats as the most significant danger facing the state—outpacing even the destruction caused by hurricanes. He emphasized the essential role of the South Carolina State Guard in supporting the South Carolina National Guard’s Cyber Defense Task Force to protect critical infrastructure and statewide networks.
As digital threats continue to evolve, State Defense Forces like the Louisiana State Guard are proving indispensable in securing both the digital and physical safety of their states and the nation. Through proactive training, partnerships, and mission readiness, these forces are setting a standard for 21st-century defense.
The Louisiana State Guard (LASG) Cyber Reserve Team conducted a successful cyber readiness drill this weekend at Camp Minden and Training Center Pineville, bringing together cyber professionals from across the state. The training included Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) coursework and Microsoft Windows cyber incident response protocols.
A central part of the exercise was a current cybersecurity threat briefing highlighting the recently released national security advisory regarding the “fast flux” vulnerability—a malicious technique used by adversaries to evade detection by rapidly changing Domain Name System (DNS) records and obscuring server locations.
The advisory, issued jointly by the FBI, NSA, CISA, and international partners, warns Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs) of the ongoing threat, encouraging the development of timely detection analytics and blocking capabilities, particularly for Protective DNS (PDNS) solutions.
“This drill highlights the commitment of our Cyber Reserve Team to stay ahead of evolving threats and provide professional, mission-ready support to our state,” said Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard. “Cybersecurity is homeland security, and I’m proud of the work these members are doing to safeguard Louisiana’s digital infrastructure.”
In addition to the technical training, several new members were officially sworn in, expanding the capabilities and reach of the Cyber Reserve Team across Louisiana.
The LASG Cyber Reserve Team continues to support the Louisiana National Guard and Louisiana Military Department by providing cyber defense expertise, operational support, and emergency response readiness.
Source: Louisiana State Guard
