The Indiana National Guard is working to address cybersecurity concerns in the Hoosier State.

Brigadier General Justin Mann is the Director of the Joint Staff for the Indiana National Guard.

He says they already have a cyber warfare battalion, comprised of cyber experts. They try to build relationships on the state and local level, working with companies and academia to aid in cybersecurity needs.

An additional resource is taking shape now. The Indiana Civilian Cyber Corps was created by House Enrolled Act 1343 and goes into effect July 1.

“So the intent behind this is to create a response capability with cyber professionals at the request of local entities, local government, state government, so that we can provide those subject matter experts in a timely response to either mitigate or repair. And then, in the advise role, as we get this up and running, is to do training and to invite those same partners across the state to come to training events,” said Mann. “Where you know rising tides lift all boats, so that we can get those relationships built across the state, and we can all work and collaborate together to make Indiana safer and better.”

The Adjutant General’s Office is spearheading the implementation of this volunteer force. It’ll be made up of vetted, trained cybersecurity professionals to respond to incidents and prepare for them.

Mann gave an example of the types of incidents the ICCC might respond to.

“Say a local hospital or a local community had a cyber incident, we are available through requesting to the state government to pull out the ICCC to come to their location and begin either triaging, repairing, or improving their position to protect them from that cyber threat that they may face,” said Mann.

General Mann says they already have a roster of volunteers but anticipates people can start applying on the Indiana National Guard website by the end of June.