New Michigan law assigns cybersecurity volunteers to network security assistance during cyber attacks

Though the state of Michigan first established a Cyber Civilian Corps back in 2013, a new law signed last week will allow those volunteers to service a broader range of entities in need of crisis assistance.

The bill was appropriately dubbed the Cyber Civilian Corps Act by its introducers, state Rep. Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo). Under its broadening powers for the civilian corps, it allows these volunteers from the community to bring cyber-defense services to nonprofit organizations, private businesses, educational groups, and other non-governmental associations.

It extends a focus Gov. Rick Snyder had previously put on addressing cyber-attacks years ago, when he formed the Cyber Civilian Corps under the auspices of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. During cyber attacks, the new bill will allow the DTMB to dispatch them to help with network assistance.

“The project was an effort to put Michigan on the forefront of this issue and my bill extends this work,” Iden said. “Cyber-attacks are a daily threat to our personal information and Michigan needs to be prepared to fend off these attacks with a trusted group of cyber defenders.”

Currently, the corps has 63 members, though with hopes for expansion.