Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Showcasing the PA National Guard Army Cyber Team 

The Pennsylvania National Guard Army Cyber Team was active and busy during Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October.  

The team conducts defensive cyber operations to secure the Department of Defense Information Network and is a commonwealth first response asset that provides surge capacity to national capabilities and focuses on domestic cyber operations. The team partners with local, state, and federal government organizations as well as academia, private industry, and international partners to provide cybersecurity assistance and on order, protects critical infrastructure and responds to state cyberspace emergencies as directed by the adjutant general or governor.

The team has been out providing community outreach to raise awareness about cybersecurity. The team recently met with the White House National Cyber Director Harry Coker to discuss challenges and opportunities in K-12 cybersecurity as well as presented on various cybersecurity topics at the Harrisburg University Cybersecurity Summit, Philadelphia Cybersecurity Day, Immaculata University Preparedness and Resilience Event, and the Intermediate Unit 9 Technology Directors meeting. The team also recently hosted a wi-fighter cyber challenge event for the Pequea Valley School District to raise awareness about cyber opportunities and teach learners various cyber skills. 

In the past, the team conducted over 60 cybersecurity assessments for state, local government, and school district partners, provided election security assistance to the commonwealth for more than 15 state elections, and conducted more than 50 cyber training exercises and cyber hygiene events. 

If interested in more information about the PA Army Cyber Team or how to become a member, please reach out to Maj. Christine Pierce, J36/PA National Guard director of Cyber Operations at christine.m.pierce.mil@army.mil.​​