Recent reporting indicates that sophisticated adversaries, including Russia and Iran, are taking steps to “prep the battlefield” for a potential large-scale cyberattack on the United States. In such an instance, it is state and local officials across the country—not federal leaders in Washington—who would be on the frontlines. Although cyberattacks occur in the digital realm, their effects manifest physically, requiring a physical response. In the case of a high consequence, widespread attack on critical infrastructure, state and local involvement would be critical to response and recovery activities. States across the country recognize their indispensable role, and are taking steps to train the National Guard, engage the private sector, and create disruption response plans to prepare for the worst.
