The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: State Cyber Corps and Volunteer Programs
Oct 28, 2025
Sarah Powazek directs the Public Interest Cybersecurity Program at UC Berkeley, focusing on community safety nets, while Michael Razeeq is a cybersecurity attorney building volunteer ecosystems. They discuss the pressing cyber threats faced by states and the potential of cyber corps to bolster local organizations. Learn about recruitment strategies for volunteers, the importance of community cybersecurity, and how federal spending cuts impact state resources. Together, they explore innovative solutions to enhance resilience against cyber incidents in under-resourced communities.
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Redefining State Cybersecurity
- State cybersecurity now means protecting all organizations that people in the state rely on, not just government networks.
- Small community organizations often lack basic IT and cybersecurity staff and struggle with implementing simple controls.
Require Vetting And Training For Volunteers
- Vet volunteers through state-run checks, minimum training, and certifications before deployment.
- Use federal background checks or fast-track options to verify skilled volunteers quickly.
State Capacity Is Limited Compared To Federal
- States have some cyber resources like National Guard cyber units and state CISOs but these are insufficient at scale.
- Federal-level options like diplomacy or military response are generally unavailable to states.
