POLICY BRIEF - A Case for a DC Cybersecurity Civilian Corps for Fighting Cyber Attacks on Washington DC’s Critical Infrastructure
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/dc-police-confirms-cyberattack-after-ransomware-gang-leaks-data/
What do we know about the feasibility of a civilian cybersecurity corps?
A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation to create a “Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve” (Rosen’s Bipartisan Bill, 2021).
A pilot program has already been established in the United States – Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps (MiC3) (Bergal, 2017).
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and a higher education institution, Howard University, have been attacked.
It is already a proven model internationally – volunteer-led Estonia’s Cyber Defense Unit (Küberkaitse Üksus) (Cohen & Singer, 2018).
A proven historical model exists - Civil Air Patrol (CAP) during World War II (Cohen & Singer, 2018).
What is the challenge?
The nation’s capital critical infrastructure is undergoing constant and sophisticated cyberattacks that include the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Howard University. These attacks are increasingly becoming advanced and continue to override the current defense system’s capabilities, strategy, and policy. These attacks are not only local to DC, they are also becoming a national phenomenon with far-reaching security and economic implications on both the public and private sectors. As these sectors continue to find meaningful measures to respond defensively, and two main components remain a challenge – strategy, and talent.
Strategy – these attacks reveal gaps in the effectiveness of the city’s current cyber security defense capabilities and require an urgent need for a new defense strategy. This new strategy should include a policy change that makes civilian participation possible in the cybersecurity defense of Washington DC.
Talent – there is a gap in the skilled talent pool of cybersecurity experts, and this limits the city’s capacity to respond to threats and attacks. According to Bate (2017). “There are just under 300,000 open cybersecurity positions in the United States at this time which companies and government are unable to fill; future needs project as high as 1,000,000 unfilled positions.”
The Policy Case
This policy brief is a recommendation to address and create a defense strategy for the threat from foreign and domestic cyber adversarial forces. This policy recommends the creation of a DC Cybersecurity Civilian Corps as a specific defense strategy for fighting cybersecurity attacks on its critical infrastructure apparatus. This brief makes the case for the viability of such an initiative as proven by historical defense measures while considering ongoing efforts at the federal and international levels. Recommendations outlined in this policy brief draw from an existing proposal, The Need for C3 - A Proposal for a United States Cybersecurity Civilian Corps (Slat & Worp, 2019).
Why is it important?
The Washington DC Cybersecurity Civilian Corps is an expansive defense strategy proposal for fighting the threats of cybersecurity on the district’s entities, namely a part of the city’s critical infrastructure - the police department, is important because the police are responsible for “safeguarding freedom, preserving life and property, protecting the constitutional rights of citizens and maintaining respect for the rule of law” (American Bar Association, 2020). This Corps will not only serve and contribute towards the city’s cyber defense strategy but it will also establish a mechanism that can be deployed elsewhere in the United States. Research shows that this measure will be effective, and the following models confirm its viability:
Historical Model – America’s security repeatedly being attacked by foreign forces during World War II gave rise to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP); an organization created in the days after Pearl Harbor. This civilian-led team of volunteers crowd and open-sourced their expertise in response to what was equivalent to a cybersecurity threat of their day (Cohen & Singer, 2018).
Domestic Model - On October 31st, 2017, Michigan Republican Governor, Rick Snyder, signed the Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps bill into law. This measure was geared towards the city’s cyber defense strategy. Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps mandate is to expand the reach of a highly trained group of volunteer cybersecurity experts from the public and private sectors (Bergal, 2017).
Federal Model – On July 14, 2021, Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, a bipartisan legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).
International Model – Outside of the United States, The Estonia Cyber Defense Unit (Küberkaitse Üksus) exists. This group is comprised of volunteer citizens from the private sector with expertise that maybe lacking within the government’s defense apparatus (Cohen & Singer, 2018).
What should policymakers do?
This policy brief recommends and calls for the establishment of a DC Cybersecurity Civilian Corps under the Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnership in conjunction with the DC National Guard (Serve DC, n.d.). The referenced proposal by Natasha Cohen and Peter Singer of New America, already establishes the necessary composition, membership, and priorities of such a program. The proposal priorities identified by Cohen & Singer (2018) are as follows:
The Corps would be able to provide needed support in three primary areas:
Education and Outreach
Testing, Assessments, and Exercises
On Call Expertise and Emergency Response
The Corps composition will include the following:
Older and retired cybersecurity professionals,
Professionals working in the cybersecurity field, with a desire to do volunteer work and perform civic service using their skills,
“White hat” hackers, who don’t work full time in a cybersecurity job,
People who are in job transition,
Independent contractors looking to fill gaps in their time and expand their networks, and
Stay-at-home parents.
By removing the physical fitness, citizenship, age, and clearance requirements, as well as prior government or military services, creates the opportunity to tap this vast pipeline of talent.
References
American Bar Association. (2020). Police Function Standards. Criminal Justice Standards. ABA. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/criminal_justice/publications/criminal_justice_section_archive/crimjust_standards_urbanpolice/
Bate, L. K. (2017, May 17). The Cyber Workforce Gap: A National Security Liability? War on the Rocks: https://warontherocks.com/2017/05/the-cyber-workforce-gap-a-national-security-liability/
Bergal, J. (2017, October 31). Michigan Governor Signs Volunteer Cyber Corps Bill. Government Technology. https://www.govtech.com/security/michigan-governor-signs-volunteer-cyber-corps-bill.html
Cohen, N., & Singer, P. (2018, October 25). The Need for C3: A Proposal for a United States Cybersecurity Civilian Corps. New America. https://www.newamerica.org/cybersecurity-initiative/reports/need-c3/
Jacky Rosen U.S. Senator for Nevada. (2021, July 14). Rosen’s Bipartisan Bill to Establish Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Passes Senate Committee Unanimously. https://www.rosen.senate.gov/rosens-bipartisan-bill-establish-civilian-cybersecurity-reserve-passes-senate-committee-unanimously
Serve DC. Mayor’s Office of Volunteerism and Partnerships (n.d.). What We Do. Government of the District of Columbia. https://communityaffairs.dc.gov/servedc
GO GLOBAL AND LEDC OFFER FINANCIAL STORYTELLING EDUCATION
Washington, DC - GO Global and LEDC are partnering to provide financial storytelling education services to entrepreneurs in the area. This program is titled Your Money Story: Financial Storytelling Masterclass. The program includes a 4-part workshop series and 1-on-1 coaching on financial education and brand storytelling. The program will run from July 8, 2021, to July 29, 2021. To learn more or register for the program, please visit - https://yourmoneystory.eventbrite.com/
These topics will be covered by the following speakers and subject matter experts:
Reaching Investors and Clients with Your Story by Gbenga Ogunjimi, Brand Story Expert & Chief Storyteller at GO Global
New Funding Options for Entrepreneurs by Charisse Conanan-Johnson, Managing Partner at Next Street
Building Your Business and Personal Credit by Vicki Davis, CEO at Vicki Davies Group & Former Vice President at TD Bank
Making Your Money Work for You by Grisel Saez, CEO at Hamoney Financial Literacy & Director Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
At Your Money Story, LEDC will be introducing three specific, flexible loan options to the participants of the program. This program includes a 0% interest rate for women entrepreneurs, another 0% interest rate for credit-building loans for individuals, and up to $250,000 working capital for business owners.
“More than ever the world needs hopeful stories and small businesses, the engine of economic growth, need financial investments for their COVID-19 business recovery efforts. Therefore, this program is timely for entrepreneurs in the Washington DC metro area” - Gbenga Ogunjimi, Chief Storyteller at GO Global
“Through financial education, access to capital, and credit building programs the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) equips low- and moderate-income residents of the Washington, DC metropolitan region to achieve financial stability and prosperity for their families and communities. - Omar A. Velasco Chief of Small Business Services and Lending at LEDC
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About GO GLOBAL: GO Global is a leadership consulting firm that specializes in brand storytelling. We do this by offering business coaching and career services for thought leaders, nonprofits, and businesses using the power of storytelling.
About The Latino Economic Development Center : LEDC equips Latinos and other underserved communities in DC, MD, VA, and Puerto Rico with the skills and financial tools to create a better future for their families and communities.
Brand Storytelling at Tusculum University
Gbenga Ogunjimi presents a workshop on brand storytelling College of Business at Tusculum University. And one of the concepts shared with the group was the idea that if you have a story then you have a superpower, and that superpower is your brand differentiator. Particularly for emerging leaders as they navigate career paths and forge their leadership identity in the business/corporate world.
Voice of America Interview
Meet Gbenga Ogunjimi, a 'chief storyteller' with a new documentary about Anacostia businesses
What started as a coaching effort became, for Gbenga Ogunjimi, a documentary about seven Anacostia businesses. He tells us about the experience - and his role as “chief storyteller”.
Source: Full story available on Washington Business Journal
Mayor Bowser Proclaims February 21, 2021‘Business Story Day’
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser proclaims Sunday, February 21, 2021, “Business Story Day” in Washington, DC.
In celebration of this day, GO Global is holding a virtual event for the members of the press and the public on February 21, 2021, at 3 PM EST. The event will feature community business leaders sharing their business stories and will also provide ideas on how businesses in the district can use their own stories as a tool for building a strong inclusive local economy.
To arrange for an interview or to learn more, please contact Gbenga Ogunjimi at 202-496-9220 or email at go@globalgoinc.com. To RSVP for the event, please visit http://businessstoryday.eventbrite.com
The Official Proclamation is below:
ANACOSTIA BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH DOCUMENTARY ON AMAZON PRIME
Brand Story Expert, Gbenga Ogunjimi, follows the origin and success stories of entrepreneurs in Washington D.C.’s wards 7 and 8
WASHINGTON DC - (December 30, 2020) – Good to Great Stories: A Small Business Documentary chronicles the entrepreneurial journeys of seven business owners in Anacostia, one of the District’s most historic neighborhoods.
The documentary shows how these entrepreneurs are changing the narrative of Anacostia from struggle and scarcity to that of opportunity and growth through their stories. It offers a blueprint for other small businesses to harness the power of their stories.
“Storytelling is one of the untapped assets in businesses. As entrepreneurs, particularly those in the communities of color, we often discount our personal stories. However, it is when we tell our stories that we unlock their power to elevate our businesses from good to great,” said Gbenga Ogunjimi, Good to Great Stories Creator.
Anacostia is one of the most underserved parts of the nation’s capital. DCist reports that there are only three grocery stores in Wards 7 and 8, where more than 160,000 residents live. In contrast, Ward 1 has nine grocery stores for about 90,000 residents. Beyond food access, this disparity extends to health, education, and jobs. The House DC reports per capita income in this area is just over half of the per capita income for the District as a whole. Similarly, the unemployment rate in Anacostia is 12.1% compared to 6% for all of DC. The men and women featured in the documentary have helped to economically empower residents in their community while embracing their own struggle to thrive against these odds. Good to Great Stories recognizes their leadership and shows other business owners how to harness the power of their own stories despite locale and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Featured entrepreneurs have this to say about their work:
“We are the only bookstore in Anacostia for over 20 years. I don’t believe anyone should be in a position where they don’t have access to books.”
- Derrick Young, Founder Mahogany Books.
“We can have a health shift in our community if we have better options.”
- Amanda Stephenson, Founder Fresh Food Factory
Good to Great Stories Virtual Press and Partners Preview will take place on January 13, 2021. The documentary will also be made available to the public on Amazon Prime for free throughout the month of February.
Featured businesses are Nubian Hueman, Fresh Food Factory, DMV Black Restaurant Week, Luis Peralta Art Gallery, PJ’s Barbers & Stylists, Plum Good LLC, and Mahogany Books.
To arrange for an interview or to learn more, please contact LaWanda White at 202-497-8393 or email at lawanda@independentlypr.com. To RSVP for the private preview, please visit http://goodtogreatstories.eventbrite.com.
About GO Global
GO Global is a leadership coaching and consulting firm that provides professional training and coaching for businesses, non-profits, and thought leaders who wish to maximize their impact and outcomes. What separates GO Global from other business/career coaching services is that it specializes in the power of stories.