PHILADELPHIA – Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region III, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the State of Delaware, hosted a Cyber Security Workshop and Table Top Exercise in Cheswold, DE. The workshop provided participants from local, state and federal agencies, as well as the private sector and academia, the opportunity to discuss cyber threats and cyber incident response plans with peers and subject matter experts. The Delaware Workshop also highlighted a real-world case study from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Over 100 attendees met at this workshop to discuss ongoing cyber infrastructure efforts, roles and responsibilities amongst agencies and partners, and the ongoing threat from cyber attacks or actors. “This workshop is unique to FEMA but is a part of our dedication to working with all of our partners to prepare for all hazards, including potential cyber-attacks,” stated MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III. “Cyber is constantly evolving and this event highlights our ongoing state and federal partnerships in understanding the cyber threat in our region and how we can all work together to protect against and mitigate that risk.” 
The 2019 workshop is the fourth workshop hosted by FEMA Region III, and the first in the State of Delaware. In addition to an overview of responsibilities and the case study, the workshop featured a discussion on cyber resiliency best practices and a table top exercise. The exercise allowed participants to work in groups and explore a potential response to a simulated cyber event, underscoring the need to assess roles and responsibilities and plan-ahead for future cyber hazards in the region.
Cyber affects everyone, from the phones we carry, to our work emails, to online shopping and everything in between. The threat is very real, but there are tips you can use to protect yourself:
- Visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov – the Federal Trade Commission website offers tips to secure yourself and your information online.
- Keep software and operating systems up-to-date
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (two methods of verification).
- Watch for suspicious activity. When in doubt, don't click. Do not provide personal information.
- Use encrypted (secure) internet communications.
- Create backup files.
- Protect your home and/or business Wi-Fi network.
- Report a cybercrime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) and to your local law enforcement or state attorney general as appropriate.
The 2017 National Preparedness Report demonstrated the need to improve cyber security capabilities. It reported that nearly 90 percent of states and territories identified cybersecurity as a high-priority capability, yet only 15 percent rated cybersecurity capabilities as proficient. The primary goal of each workshop is to provide an opportunity for emergency management personnel at the regional and state level to learn about cyber resources and capabilities. The primary audience for each workshop includes public safety and emergency management personnel in addition to private sector and other whole community partners. Each workshop consists of a variety of different presentations facilitated by subject-matter experts.
To learn more, please contact FEMA Region III at FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Learn more about FEMA Region III at www.FEMA.gov/region-iii. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.
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