Maryland Launches Cybersecurity Task Force for Extra Protection During Pandemic
National Guard units have played increasingly large roles in helping their states with their cybersecurity operations, and in Maryland that is extending to its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A task force of Guard members and state IT officials is responsible for monitoring state government websites — such as the portal for unemployment benefits — to make sure that the public can still access state services and public-health updates. The task force also includes members of the Maryland Defense Force, a unit of uniformed volunteers who support Guard activities. State officials say it is the first cybersecurity operation to be established by any state in response to the pandemic.
