CONTACT MCU
Mississippi Cyber Unit
1 MEMA Drive
Pearl, MS 39208
601-933-7200
ms-cyber@dps.ms.gov
OVERVIEW
The increase in cyber-attacks, like the Colonial Pipeline Attack in 2021, has highlighted the need for a robust cyber defense strategy. The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security (MOHS) established the Mississippi Cyber Unit (MCU) to make Mississippi more cyber secure. The MCU will collaborate with agency and industry partners to ensure a unified cyber defense.
MISSISSIPPI CYBER UNIT MISSION STATEMENT
To protect and safeguard Mississippi, its resources, and its citizens from cyber threats by providing a center for cybersecurity preparedness and response. The MCU will achieve this through intelligence sharing, active monitoring, and effective defense.
CYBER THREAT PROTECTION PROGRAM (CTPP)
The CTPP focuses on hardening and improving the security of current infrastructure. They will conduct risk and threat assessments by sector and region. The team will develop and maintain sensors and honeypots across participating networks. They will also perform real time threat sharing using industry-standard protocols and continue to build relationships with federal, state, and local partners. Dedicated analysts gather intelligence on emerging cyber threats and monitor networks for threat activity and vulnerabilities.
CYBER INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM (CIRT)
The CIRT is a statewide incident response team. This team will work dynamically to detect and prevent cyber-attacks, respond to ongoing attacks, and when possible, aid in the recovery of damaged infrastructure or systems. The team will also work to provide outreach services and in person training when not engaged in incident response.