NH National Guard to host regional Cyber Yankee exercise which simulates cyberattacks

In support of COVID-19 relief operations for the state’s department of information technology, Sgt. Brandee Peterson, an IT specialist with 197th Field Artillery Brigade, configures dashboards in Concord on May 26. Peterson works as an IT security analyst for Northeast Credit Union. Courtesy Photo

CONCORD, NH — For the second consecutive year, the New Hampshire National Guard is hosting a regional Cyber Yankee exercise July 20 – 31 at the Edward Cross Training Center in Pembroke.

Army and Air National Guard cyber defense teams from across New England will test their skills during a formidable exercise designed to simulate response to cyberattacks.

“Cyber Yankee is a great opportunity for the Guard to work with state and federal government, interagency and critical infrastructure partners to prepare to respond to a significant critical cyberattack,” said Lt. Col. Woody Groton, exercise director. “Training together allows us to develop relationships and leverage expertise to make everyone better.”

The exercise brings together citizen-soldiers and airmen from New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont. Many of whom have been engaged in cyber-related support in their respective states during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In support of COVID-19 relief operations for the state’s department of information technology, Airman 1st Class Noah Wiggin, an IT specialist with 157th Air Refueling Wing Communication Flight, configures dashboards in Concord on May 26. Wiggin is a senior at the University of New Hampshire studying computer science. Courtesy Photo

Representatives from various New Hampshire state government agencies will also participate to include the Department of Transportation, Department of Safety and Department of Homeland Security.

Federal government partners will include the Department of Defense, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, National Guard Bureau and United States Cyber Command.

Non-government organizations scheduled to participate include ISO New England, The Metropolitan District Hartford, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Eversource, Unitil, Avangrid, and National Grid.

There will be a virtual distinguished visitor day for the exercise on July 29 via Cisco Webex.