Cybersecurity threats, or incidences, seem to be in the news with more frequency. State-sponsored incursions such as the alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election are on the rise, but who protects us against such attacks? A Washington Air National Guard unit, the 252nd Cyber Operations Group (COG), stands ready to provide support domestically at both the state and federal levels and support combatant commanders for worldwide contingency operations.

There are differences between civilian and military cybersecurity, said 252nd COG commander Col. Kenneth A. Borchers.

"Many of the methodologies are very similar," he said. "The differences mostly have to do with what we defend versus how we defend them. Military cybersecurity tends to focus on mission assurance for highly specialized systems. For instance, we're more likely to focus on defending things like our country's air defense systems rather than our email servers, even though we do that, too."

In 2013, Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Maj. Gen. Bret D. Daugherty, Adjutant General, Washington National Guard, as the senior state official for management and coordination of cybersecurity issues at the state and federal level. With a Concept of Operations for Domestic Cyberspace Response now in place, the state is prepared. In addition, cybersecurity was added to the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management plan with the addition of a Significant Cyber Incident Annex. These plans support state leadership emphasis on critical infrastructure defense.

The unit has conducted many successful operations since standing up.

"We've had a large number of successful missions at both the state and national level," Borchers said. "We've performed cybersecurity assessments on Washington State Department of Licensing, Washington State Emergency Management Department, the Snohomish County Public Utility District, the White House Communications Agency, the Minuteman III Missile System, the B-52 Strategic Bomber and the Pentagon's Joint Service Provider."

Key to this success are the highly trained and qualified cyberspace and intelligence professionals that serve as cyber operators.

One advantage the unit has in this area is a technology hub, and many members of the unit have civilian jobs working cybersecurity.

There are a few different avenues to pursue a cybersecurity career.

"Computer science and cybersecurity degrees and training are always a big plus," Borchers said. "We've certainly hired a lot of people who have that sort of background to work in our units. That said, we've also hired people straight out of high school. The Department of Defense has a robust training program for all of our cyber operators. Those skills are quite marketable in the civilian sector, as you might imagine. Since we're a Guard unit, many of our airmen get the best of both worlds by working cybersecurity in the civilian sector while continuing to serve part time in the Guard. And yes, we're hiring. Please contact Washington Air National Guard recruiting for more details."

With the well-trained cybersecurity warriors of the 252nd COG, the state is in good hands.