The Indiana National Guard is launching a new “Civilian Cyber Corps” to protect the state’s power grid and water systems from digital attacks.

Governor Braun recently signed the initiative into law, creating a volunteer force of high-level tech experts to assist in cyber emergencies.

Major General Larry Muennich says the goal is a “unified defense” as nation-state threats against private infrastructure increase.

The Guard is also partnering with Purdue University for “Cyber Madness,” a high school hacking tournament to recruit the next generation of defenders.