Washington National Guard to tackle cyber security

We already call on them to lend a hand after earthquakes and floods, but the Washington National Guard is hoping you will soon be able to call them in to respond to cyber-disasters as well.

With Microsoft and Amazon in their backyard, it’s only natural Washington would be the hub of a $5.6 million cyber security and surveillance facility at Joint Base Lewis McChord.

The 262nd Network Warfare Squadron already protects pentagon networks, but according to The News Tribune they also want to start fending off attacks on the computer networks of local businesses, utilities, hospitals and municipalities.

There are still some question as to how they will implement this new plan. The head of Seattle’s information security systems says he would be open to using the Washington National Guard to check the city’s cyber defenses. But Michael Hamilton worries about the process for getting the military involved in local matters. In typical disaster situations, it is the governor who requests assistance from the Washington National Guard.

Those kinks could soon be worked out. The Department of Homeland Security is encouraging states to create emergency response plans for cyber attacks. In July, the Washington National Guard finalized a plan to assist local agencies in the case of a network assault.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has stressed that cyber security is one of his top priorities. Despite cuts to this year’s national defense spending, the budget does includes $35 million for a new information operations readiness center for the Washington National Guard.