The Role of Exercises in Training the Nation's Cyber First-Responders

Terrorism has become a topic of much concern in this country since the events of September 11, 2001. As a result, an increased emphasis has been placed on training the nation’s first-responders who will be called upon in the event of an attack to effectively respond to whatever the incident entails. Of growing interest is the possible use of cyber attacks as either the primary or a contributing mode of attack. As such, the need for a trained corps of cyber first-responders is increasing. Who are the nation’s cyber first-responders and how best can they be trained to detect and respond to cyber attacks? One method that has seen some success is the use of scenario-based exercises to provide awareness and training to community cyber firstresponders. A three-phased approach for such an exercise is proposed and initial results discussed.