Vernon Hosts Cyber Security Exercise

VERNON, CT — Local authorities recently gathered for a regional cyber security table top training exercise at the Vernon Police Department.

Approximately 50 participants from Vernon (most municipal and police officials), Ellington (First Selectman Lori Spielman, Superintendent of Schools Scott Nicol, a resident state trooper and other school school system staff members) and Tolland (Public Safety Director John Littell) were in attendance.

The tabletop exercise was co-hosted by the Vernon Police Department and the Vernon Emergency and Risk Management Department, in partnership with state Homeland Security officials and the Connecticut Intelligence Center.

An intensive tabletop training exercise simulated a multi-faceted cyber attack impacting the town of Vernon.

Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said the timing was appropriate, especially considering a cyber security issue shut down the state judicial system computer network last week.

“From an emergency and risk management standpoint, there has been a surge in both the frequency and severity of cyber-attacks across our nation," he said. "Our daily life and our local government operations depend on a stable, safe, and resilient cyberspace. In addition, cyber security is constantly changing to meet the ever evolving techniques of attackers. For these reasons, the town of Vernon continuously assesses and enhances its information security programs by taking various measures, including conducting cyber security training and exercises.”

Photo Credit: Town of Vernon