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Michigan Moves Ahead On Computer Security Effort

LANSING (AP) - Michigan is starting a pilot group that will lead to the creation of a rapid-response team to help the state and its businesses in the event of a major computer attack, officials announced Wednesday.

The Cyber Civilian Corps will allow government, education and business technology professionals to get more training through the Michigan Cyber Range, which is designed to help protect computer systems and sensitive data. A training exercise is planned for July 23.

"We are on our way to realizing the vision of the Cyber Civilian Corps and the vital role they will play in defending Michigan against cyber attacks," David Behen, Director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, said in a statement.

Gov. Rick Snyder in October announced plans for the team, which involves state government, the National Guard and other public and private partners.

Data theft and security breaches can be costly, both to businesses and the government. According to the state, the Michigan government suffers more than 500,000 computer attacks each day, including spam, web browser attacks and network intrusion.

[Learn more at this link].

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