State of Maine
Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management
Maine Emergency Management Agency
DATE: Friday, June 13, 2025
CONTACT: Spencer Roberts
CELL PHONE: (207) 620-0960
EMAIL: spencer.roberts@maine.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), in partnership with the Office of Information Technology (MaineIT), hosted a Cyber Incident Workshop on June 11th at the State Emergency Operations Center. The purpose of the workshop was to assess the state’s preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities through a simulated multi-jurisdictional ransomware attack.
Malicious cyber activity and even benign errors continue to pose a serious and escalating threat to Maine’s computer systems and critical infrastructure. As our reliance on digital systems grows, so does the importance of incorporating cybersecurity into all-hazards emergency planning.
"As threats continue to evolve, our approach to emergency preparedness must include the digital landscape," said Peter Rogers, Director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency. "Workshops like this strengthen our partnerships and ensure that Maine is ready to respond to the growing risk of cyber incidents.”
This tabletop exercise brought together key state partners, including MEMA, MaineIT, the Maine Information and Analysis Center (MIAC), and the Maine National Guard. Participants worked through a complex cyber incident scenario that tested communication, response coordination, and the implementation of existing protocols.
Insights gained during the exercise will directly inform updates to the Cyber Incident Annex of the State Emergency Operations Plan, helping ensure a more robust, integrated response to future cyber threats.
Every Mainer Has a Role in Cybersecurity
While the state strengthens its institutional preparedness, individuals and organizations also play a crucial role in cyber defense. Following simple, proactive steps can go a long way in protecting your personal information and digital assets.
Top Cybersecurity Tips for Everyone
- Don’t Take the Bait: Cybercriminals often manipulate people into revealing confidential information through emails, phone calls, or texts that appear legitimate. Always verify requests for sensitive data through a trusted, independent channel, especially if they create a sense of urgency.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Use a different password for each account, and make them long, complex, and hard to guess.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts with 2FA whenever it's available.
- Adjust Privacy Settings: Review and manage privacy and security settings on websites and apps to control what information you share.
- Use Secure Connections: Look for “https://” in the URL when banking or shopping online. Avoid entering sensitive info on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Back It Up: Regularly back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage to prevent data loss in case of an attack.
- Update Security Software: Regularly update antivirus, anti-malware, and other security tools to protect against the latest threats.
- Report Cybercrime: If you fall victim to identity theft or online fraud, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or IdentityTheft.gov
Together, We Are More Secure
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By taking these steps and working together we can build a more ready and resilient digital Maine.
For more information on how to protect yourself and your organization, visit MEMA's website or CISA.gov
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