Illinois’ top military officer is sharing his thoughts on the ongoing cyber wars

Posted on June 29, 2021
Maj. Gen. Richard Neely, adjutant general and commander of the Illinois National Guard. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A cybersecurity exercise that pulls together all levels of government has military nationwide occupied.

At a virtual news conference previewing Cyber Shield, Maj. Gen. Richard Neely, adjutant general and commander of the Illinois National Guard, said you do not need to even step outside Illinois to see examples of cybermischief.

“Just in the last month, the St Clair County government was attacked by ransomware,” said Neely. “Then, back in April, the Illinois attorney general’s computer network was attacked. And many of you are probably aware of the hack that occurred at the State Board of Elections in 2016. In response, the Illinois National Guard has been working closely with the (election board) to assist in bolstering their cyberdefense.”

With attacks on Colonial Pipeline and meatpacker JBS having national ramifications, Neely says it’s vital to be ready if and when civilian resources dry up.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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