OVERVIEW
The increase in cyber-attacks, like the Colonial Pipeline Attack in 2021 highlighted the need for a robust cyber defense strategy. The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security (MOHS) established the Mississippi Cyber Unit (MCU) to make Mississippi more cyber secure. The MCU will collaborate with agency and industry partners to ensure a unified cyber defense.
MISSISSIPPI CYBER UNIT MISSION STATEMENT
To protect and safeguard Mississippi, its resources, and its citizens from evolving cyber threats by serving as the state’s center for cybersecurity preparedness, intelligence, and incident response. The MCU advances this mission through proactive monitoring, timely intelligence sharing, strong partnerships, and coordinated defensive operations that enhance the security and resilience of Mississippi’s digital infrastructure.
CYBER THREAT PROTECTION PROGRAM (CTPP)
The CTPP strengthens Mississippi’s cyber resilience by improving the security of critical infrastructure and reducing risk across key sectors and regions. CTPP conducts targeted threat and vulnerability assessments, deploys and maintains advanced sensors and defensive technologies, and supports real-time information sharing using industry-standard protocols. The program also develops strategic partnerships across federal, state, local, and private organizations to ensure coordinated threat awareness and response. Dedicated analysts monitor emerging cyber activity, identify vulnerabilities, and provide actionable intelligence to help participating entities stay ahead of evolving threats. When fully funded and staffed, the CTPP would also manage a state-level SOC assisting both state and local government entities.
CYBER INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM (CIRT)
The CIRT serves as Mississippi’s statewide capability for coordinated cyber incident response. CIRT works rapidly to detect and contain cyber-attacks, support impacted organizations and law enforcement, and assist in restoring critical services when incidents occur. The team provides on-site response, technical expertise, and operational coordination during active events. When not engaged in incident response, the CIRT strengthens statewide readiness through outreach, training, and support to agencies and communities across Mississippi, ensuring organizations are better prepared before an attack occurs.
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS BULLETINS
These bulletins are quickly and efficiently written to be distributed when a relevant cyber event occurs that the MCU deems necessary to warn stakeholders.
2026
MCU-CSA-26.02_Hardening Networked Systems
MCU-CSA-26.01_FortiCloud SSO Bypass
2025
MCU-CSA-25.06_Malicious URLs