REISTERSTOWN, Md. – The Maryland Defense Force’s 256th Cyber Defense Unit and the Virginia Defense Force’s 31st Cyber Battalion participated in a joint ransomware tabletop exercise at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation and at virtual locations throughout Maryland and Virginia, September 17, 2022.

The cyber exercise evaluated the ability of both organizations to detect, prevent, respond to, and survive a hypothetical ransomware attack.

“This is essentially a crisis management exercise that will allow both organizations to evaluate how effectively we respond to the cyber threat within this scenario,” said Maj. (MD) Jeremy O’Mard, commander of the 256th CDU. “Both cyber units will have a chance to benchmark their planned responses against the hypothetical scenario to test our operational preparedness.”

After completing an after action report, they will evaluate how they can “continuously improve and constantly evolve” to meet cyber threats in their states, said O’Mard.

“This is a great opportunity to collaborate with our fellow state defense force volunteers from across the Potomac River in Virginia,” said Brig. Gen. (MD) Gregory J. Juday, commanding general of the MDDF. “Hopefully, the MDDF and VDF will be able to do more of these types of training events in the future because they are mutually beneficial and add to the operational readiness of both organizations.”

The mission of the VDF 31st Cyber Battalion is to enhance the commonwealth by serving as a force multiplier for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. The Maryland Defense Force is the state’s uniformed volunteer militia branch that provides competent supplementary professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland as needed.

Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 200 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support, and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland.