Training and Exercising for Cybersecurity Threats
Project Overview
As part of a comprehensive exercise series, the New England Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Initiative (NERCPI) asked Hagerty to support a Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) compliant initiative. This program was designed to help the state of Rhode Island understand and better prepare for cybersecurity threats.
Understanding the Mission
Hagerty developed cybersecurity training exercises to help improve Rhode Island’s institutional protocols, policies, and procedures for reporting cyber incidents. The exercises also focused on establishing communication thresholds and using the region’s fusion center to streamline information sharing. Fusion centers, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), serve as central points for gathering, analyzing, and sharing threat-related information between federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners.
The Hagerty Approach
Hagerty created two tabletop exercises (TTXs) to address different cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The first focused on cyber threats to the financial sector, bringing together Rhode Island financial institutions and state and federal partners. The second exercise addressed cybersecurity threats in the water and wastewater sectors, involving key representatives from facilities across the state.
Achieving Results
The cybersecurity training exercises were well-received, leading to valuable discussions on information sharing and operational coordination during cyber incidents. A key discussion point was deciding when to involve the National Guard, state regulators, and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA). Hagerty’s After Action Reports (AARs) summarized each exercise’s outcomes and identified gaps. Additionally, they provided actionable recommendations to improve Rhode Island’s cybersecurity response.
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Contracts
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Active Threat Cohort Training
Hagerty developed an active threat cohort-based training for Cook County, Illinois, integrating the whole community. -
Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack Exercise Series
Hagerty developed and facilitated exercises in the Kansas City metropolitan area to validate response capabilities for complex coordinated attacks. -
Full-Scale Exercise for Complex Coordinated Attacks
Hagerty conducted a full-scale CCTA exercise to enhance response capabilities, engaging over 1,500 participants from nearly 80 agencies.
