Indiana National Guard Facing Escalating Digital Threats

As states confront an increasingly volatile and sophisticated cyber threat landscape, the Indiana National Guard is implementing a multi-faceted strategy to bolster cybersecurity resilience for Indiana’s critical infrastructure and fortify national security. Through strategic initiatives, legislative action, and public-private partnerships, the INNG is proactively addressing the real and growing danger of cyber warfare.

Maj. Chris Myers, The Indiana Air National Guard Director of Cybersecurity, recently attended a critical infrastructure executive leadership roundtable discussion on cyber threats and incident response. Critical energy infrastructure organizations and government agencies from across the U.S. discussed nation state threats with the goal of protecting U.S. citizens’ livelihoods from the very real threat of mass cyber-attacks against the electrical grid, natural gas infrastructure, and water/wastewater industry.

The digital era has expanded the battlefield, with nation-state actors and cybercriminals alike targeting essential services such as energy, water, and transportation with increasing frequency and complexity. These malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in our interconnected systems to conduct espionage, disrupt services, and undermine public confidence. Recognizing that a staggering 85% of the nation’s critical infrastructure is privately owned, the Indiana National Guard is championing a collaborative, whole-of-society approach to cyber defense.

A cornerstone of this strategy is the newly established Indiana Civilian Cyber Corps (ICCC), created by House Enrolled Act 1343. Now signed into law by Governor Braun and will go into effect July 1, 2026, the Adjutant General’s Office has commenced the implementation of this volunteer force. The ICCC will be composed of vetted, trained, and experienced cybersecurity professionals who will advise, train, and assist in responding to cyber incidents across Indiana’s critical sectors. This initiative significantly enhances the state’s capacity to defend against and respond to cyberattacks.

“In an age where cyberattacks can have real-world consequences, from disrupting essential services to impacting our economy, a proactive and unified defense is not just an option, it is a necessity,” stated Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard. “The ICCC represents a vital public-private partnership, pooling expertise and resources to protect the infrastructure all Hoosiers depend on.”

Furthering its commitment to readiness, the Indiana National Guard is organizing the “Hoosier Cyber Defender” exercise. This annual event has been designated by several critical infrastructure partners as their primary exercise for the year, underscoring the value of collaborative training. These exercises are crucial for testing defenses, refining incident response protocols, and ensuring the Guard’s cyber defense warfighting readiness against persistent threats.

To cultivate the next generation of cyber defenders, the INNG has partnered with Purdue University to host “Cyber Madness,” a premier high school hacking tournament. This annual “Capture the Flag” competition provides a platform for Indiana’s brightest young talent to demonstrate their skills in a competitive environment. “Cyber Madness” not only identifies promising students but also creates a direct pathway for them to pursue careers in both military and civilian cybersecurity sectors, addressing the critical nationwide shortage of qualified professionals.

These initiatives reflect the Indiana National Guard’s comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity. By fostering robust public-private partnerships, defending critical infrastructure, and nurturing a future-ready workforce, the INNG is ensuring that Indiana remains at the forefront of cyber defense, prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.