Call in the Cyber National Guard!

The economic consequences of a cyberattack on major critical infrastructures might well outweigh the cost of fielding the CNG. Furthermore, an ad hoc group of private consultants wouldn´t have the time, teamwork, or skills to address a major cyberattack, nor would they be able to respond quickly. Because cyberspace isn´t confined to national borders, it would be prudent to develop international partnerships in CNG training, education, and operations. Furthermore, industry participation and cooperation would be needed, perhaps via a nongovernment organization such as the W3C or by providing legal protections such as those provided to US National Guard members. However the CNG would be organized, industry would need to embrace the notion of and advantages derived from a national cyber-emergency-response capability. To ensure that the CNG and industry are partners, regular meetings at the local, regional, and national levels would be needed to plan strategies and build industry-guard teamwork.