The State of Idaho is facing an increasing risk of cyberattacks due to the all-digital landscape that makes it easier for people to connect. With agencies and procedures in place to help mitigate these threats, challenges still arise due to a lack of personnel and funding.
To address these challenges, the program called Cyber Discovery was established. This program allows military personnel, college students, and others interested in cybersecurity to participate in scenario-based exercises. By tackling threats head-on, participants learn how best to defend against cyberattacks.
Jerred Edgar, the chief information security officer at the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS), emphasized the importance of practical training in cybersecurity. He stated, “In reality, you can’t simulate what the threat actors are doing, so the best way to train them is actually taking them and put them in the environment and having them fight the actual fights.”
Despite the opportunities provided by programs like Cyber Discovery, agencies still face challenges in keeping up with technological infrastructure. Chris Volmer, the critical infrastructure program manager at the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM), highlighted the need to strengthen posture and modernize equipment, policies, and tools to effectively combat cyber threats.
Idaho’s diverse communities present unique challenges in cybersecurity efforts. Volmer noted, “A big piece of the collaboration between IOEM and ITS is how do we protect those most vulnerable communities. The communities that might not have the budget or the person power or the technical expertise to defend their networks as efficiently as we defend the network in the State of Idaho.”
Both agencies stressed the importance of community involvement in cybersecurity efforts. They encouraged individuals interested in contributing to visit cybersecurity.idaho.gov to learn more about how they can get involved in protecting the state against cyber threats.
Overall, the State of Idaho recognizes the importance of proactive measures to defend against cyberattacks in an increasingly digital world. By fostering collaboration and providing opportunities for practical training, Idaho is taking steps to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure and protect its communities from potential threats.