About the initiative
A ransomware attack or data breach can cripple essential services and infrastructure for local communities, counties and public schools. Defending against these cyber threats requires a unified and collaborative strategy.
The Iowa Cyber Resilience Initiative offers training and risk assessments at no cost for Iowa communities to ensure they are prepared to address evolving cyber threats. The initiative, led by Iowa State University’s Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach (CyIO), will position Iowa as a leader in cybersecurity readiness.
Take action to prepare
How would your city, county or school operate if a cyberattack took down several critical systems? Cybersecurity Incident Management Exercises help local entities answer that question through a simulated scenario to test response and preparedness.
The Cybersecurity Incident Management Exercises are provided at no cost to build the state’s cybersecurity resilience and collective security efforts. Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the State of Iowa.
Benefits of statewide approach
Recovering from a cyberattack can cost millions for local or state governments. Having a unified, statewide strategy is vital to ensure every Iowa community has access to tools and resources to prepare for and respond to a cyber threat. A collaborative approach also fosters innovation and efficiencies across the state.
Training and assessment
The Iowa Cyber Resilience Initiative features five programs, implemented over the next five years, to build a cohesive and sustainable cybersecurity framework. Local entities can complete a request form to schedule a Cybersecurity Incident Management Exercise.
Check back for updates and availability for other programs offered through the initiative. The Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach also plans to provide future training opportunities for other sectors including manufacturing and agriculture.
