Operation Cyber Idaho

Operation Cyber Idaho is a statewide initiative to strengthen Idaho’s cybersecurity resilience and preparedness. Funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, the program supports efforts to improve cyber defenses across Idaho local governments. These funds are managed by the State of Idaho’s Cybersecurity Grant Planning Committee, administered by the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM).

The initiative is led by the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services, in coordination with the Idaho Army National Guard and Boise State University Cyber Operations and Resilience programs. This program aims to enhance Idaho’s cybersecurity resilience while equipping individuals with practical knowledge, industry-recognized credentials, and relevant skills to prepare them for immediate employment in the field.

Our Mission

Operation Cyber Idaho aims to enhance Idaho’s cyber resilience through Idaho Readiness Training, Cyber Infrastructure Services, and Collective Defense. We work to strengthen Idaho’s ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity incidents by investing in tools, training, and coordinated response strategies that protect public sector systems and services. We do this by providing resources, funding opportunities, and technical assistance to eligible organizations.

Build cybersecurity competence across Idaho

Operations Cyber Idaho is committed to developing a more skilled and capable cybersecurity workforce. This will be achieved through:

• Cyber assessments. Identifying gaps and vulnerabilities in existing systems to guide future improvements.
• Remediation. Addressing identified risks through targeted solutions that strengthen our security posture.
• Local apprenticeships and internships. Growing Idaho’s talent pipeline by providing hands-on learning opportunities for students and emerging professionals within local and tribal organizations.

Foster trust through strong cybersecurity governance

Operation Cyber Idaho promotes trust in public systems by strengthening cybersecurity governance across all levels of Idaho government. This includes:

• Protect. Implementing safeguards to defend systems, data, and infrastructure from cyber threats.
• Detect. Establishing mechanisms to identify and monitor cybersecurity risks and incidents in real time.
• Respond. Ensuring timely and coordinated responses to minimize the impact of cyber events and restore essential services.

Strengthen collaboration through collective defense

Operation Cyber Idaho fosters a unified approach to cybersecurity by promoting collective defense strategies. This collaborative framework in built upon:

• Idaho-centric solutions. Tailoring cybersecurity initiatives to address the unique needs and challenges of Idaho’s diverse communities, ensuring that solutions are relevant and effective statewide.
• Regionalized support. Establishing regional networks and partnerships that facilitate resource sharing, threat intelligence exchange, and coordinated response efforts among local and state entities.
• Realistic results. Focusing on practical, achievable outcomes that enhance the cybersecurity posture of all participating organizations, with an emphasis on measurable improvements and sustained resilience.

This collaborative approach aligns with the goals outlined in Idaho’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Implementation Plan, which emphasizes the importance of extraordinary cooperation among various stakeholders to improve cybersecurity readiness across the state.