National Guard units have played increasingly large roles in helping their states with their cybersecurity operations, and in Maryland that is extending to its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A task force of Guard members and state IT officials is responsible for monitoring state government websites — such as the portal for unemployment benefits — to make sure that the public can still access state services and public-health updates. The task force also includes members of the Maryland Defense Force, a unit of uniformed volunteers who support Guard activities. State officials say it is the first cybersecurity operation to be established by any state in response to the pandemic.
