Small Broadband Providers Team Up to Improve Cyber Posture

Herndon, Va., (September 29, 2021)—CyberShare: The Small Broadband Provider ISAC, operated by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, today announced Breached!, a free, industry-wide virtual wargame. Sponsored by NRTC and several organizations representing small broadband providers, the online event will invite participants to role-play in response to a cyberattack.

Breached! will be facilitated by Booz Allen Hamilton and is sponsored by ACA Connects, Competitive Carriers Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, NRTC, NTCA, the Rural Wireless Association, Telcom Insurance Group, and WISPA. During this interactive and dynamic exercise designed for C-Suite, IT and security professionals at small broadband companies, participants will receive intelligence briefings, collaborate with peers, confront challenges derived from real-world incidents, and address the complex decisions and trade-offs that companies would typically face during a major cyber event. 

Breached! will be held on December 9, 2021. The event is free and open to any small broadband provider or representative. The event will be off-the-record. More information can be found on the CyberShare website.

“Small broadband providers are aware of the important role they play in our nation’s critical communications infrastructure, and this exercise will supplement their continuing efforts to protect and secure their networks,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “CyberShare is proud to host this free, industry-wide event to give small broadband providers the opportunity to simulate a cyberattack without having to go through the pain of experiencing one firsthand. We all win when we stay cyber safe, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this exercise.”

“NRTC is always looking for ways to help our members and other rural broadband providers stay informed about and protected against cyber threats,” said NRTC Managed Services President Jon Bartleson. “We’re excited to be able to work with NTCA to provide this unique opportunity for our members to gain live experience responding to a simulated cyberattack.”