Cyber Civilian Corps reflects innovative new aspect to defending cyber

attacks
Contact: Kurt Weiss, 517-335-0050
Agency: Technology, Management & Budget


May 21, 2014
In October of last year as part of the 2013 Michigan Cyber Summit, Gov. Rick Snyder announced
the plan for a Cyber Civilian Corps to serve as a rapid response team that would assist the state and
industries across Michigan during a major cyber incident. Today marks the launch of a pilot group
that will ultimately result in the establishment of the corps. This new cyber incident rapid response
team represents partnerships between state government, the National Guard and other public and
private partners.
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 David Behen, Director of the Michigan
Department of Technology, Management and Budget and CIO for the State of Michigan. 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.
Michigans leadership in the area of cybersecurity is recognized across the country and this effort to
join public and private entities in the fight against cyber threats will help build a safer, stronger cyber
environment. Michigan places a high emphasis on protecting the states computer systems,
networks and data and the states centralized technology model places Michigan in a strong position
to implement security efforts like this.
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 governors vision and plan for cybersecurity, Behen added. We have a
thorough plan and its 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.
Todays launch of the team will be followed up by a formal training exercise leveraging the cyber
range on July 23.

For a copy of Michigans cyber initiative as well as other information about cybersecurity,
visitMichigan.gov/cybersecurity.

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