Preparing the Nation for Large-Scale Cyber Attacks

Every two years, FEMA leads a National Level Exercise (NLE) to bring together and strengthen the whole community by conducting a progressive series of preparedness events, culminating in a full-scale exercise. These exercises test the response to all hazards, from natural disasters to manmade attacks and addresses specific types of threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the nation.

Preparations for NLE 2020 are underway. The exercise scenario involves widespread cyberattacks that lead to a domestic national security emergency with significant impacts on critical infrastructure and critical community lifelines. All levels of government, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and community groups will participate in NLE 2020.

Exercise preparedness events began in early 2019 and will continue until full-scale play occurs between February and May 2020. With cybersecurity as a central theme in NLE 2020, the Regional Cyber Workshop Series provides tailored workshops to each FEMA Region conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). These workshops are designed for participants to gain a better understanding of roles and responsibilities in cyber security, highlight resources and capabilities, and strengthen regional connections between emergency management and cybersecurity professionals.

For more information on NLE 2020, visit the NLE website or email the NLE mailbox at NLE@fema.dhs.gov.