LANSING – The Cyber Civilian Corps, a group aimed at helping both the state and businesses prevent computer-aided attacks, officially launched Wednesday.
The program, announced by Governor Rick Snyder in October, will begin as a rapid response team for data breaches.
“We are on our way to realizing the vision of the Cyber Civilian Corps and the vital role they will play in defending Michigan against cyber attacks,” said Department of Technology, Management and Budget Director David Behen. “This marks another critical step in our plan and I want to thank the many public and private partners who are working with us to make it happen.”
The partnership behind the new team includes state IT officials, the National Guard and various industry representatives.
A training event for the team is planned July 23.
The corps will include government, education and business technology professionals who will be able to improve their skills by taking advantage of training through the Michigan Cyber Range (MCR), which serves as the premier cybersecurity learning environment. The MCR offers prevention through practice and education, affording cybersecurity professionals with a unique environment and learning center for detecting, preventing, and thwarting cyber-attacks in a real-world setting. Like a test track or a firing range, the cyber range enables individuals and organizations to conduct “live fire” exercises.
?This is all part of the governor?s vision and plan for cybersecurity,? Behen added. ?We have a thorough plan and it?s exciting to see it coming together.?
Data theft and breaches from cybercrime can cost businesses as much as $1 trillion globally. Michigan government experiences more than 500,000 cyber attacks daily ranging from spam to web browser attacks to network intrusion.
The new Cyber Civilian Corps will provide mutual aid response and assistance to the State of Michigan and all industries in the state as needed during a governor declared state of emergency; create an environment for team members to improve skills by taking advantage of training opportunities on the MCR; and develop and expand partnerships with government, business and education around cyber security.
