LOUISVILLE, Ky. –
Kentucky's adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton, and network communications expert Lt. Col. Dayna Sanders addressed leaders and representatives at the Governor’s Local Issues Conference in Louisville, Aug. 8.
During the event, which covered a broad range of topics, Lamberton and Sanders stressed the importance of a centralized approach to cybersecurity in the Commonwealth, highlighting the growing need for cross-sector collaboration and the vital role of local leaders in these efforts.
“We have many cybersecurity professionals working across the municipality level, within the commercial sector, the Guard, and active duty, but we don’t have a centralized forum to leverage these capabilities,” said Sanders, the Network Enterprise Center branch manager for the Kentucky Army National Guard. “What happens in the event of a large-scale, man-made cyber disaster? Or even if it’s coupled with a natural disaster? Why don’t we mobilize these resources?”
The discussion centered on the importance of trust and collaboration, particularly in times of crisis.
Sanders, also serving as commander of the 103rd Brigade Support Battalion, highlighted the urgency of building resilience and preparation as cybersecurity threats continue to escalate globally. She advocated for the creation of a centralized forum within the Commonwealth where knowledge and lessons learned can be shared across the industry, enhancing the collective ability to respond to cyber threats.
The conversation served as a call to action for municipalities to engage more deeply with cybersecurity resources, strengthen relationships across sectors, and proactively address vulnerabilities within their infrastructure.
Local government representatives interested in cybersecurity training or exercises are encouraged to reach out for more information. Collaboration and preparedness, Sanders stressed, are key to safeguarding communities and building a resilient future.