Celebrating a Decade of Cybersecurity Excellence: The NJCCIC’s Impact on New Jersey
On May 21, 2025, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) marked a significant milestone: the 10-year anniversary of the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC). This celebration not only highlights a decade of achievements but also underscores the critical role the NJCCIC plays in safeguarding the digital infrastructure of the Garden State.
The Birth of NJCCIC: A Proactive Response to Cyber Threats
Established on May 20, 2015, the NJCCIC was the first state-level organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to cybersecurity information sharing and analysis. Its inception was a direct response to the increasing threat of cyberattacks targeting New Jersey’s residents, businesses, government agencies, and critical infrastructure. The urgency for such an initiative became evident during Super Bowl XLVIII, held at MetLife Stadium in 2014, which exposed vulnerabilities in the state’s cybersecurity framework. This pivotal event highlighted the necessity for a coordinated statewide cybersecurity capability, leading to the creation of the NJCCIC.
A Model for State-Level Cybersecurity
Over the past decade, the NJCCIC has evolved into a nationally recognized model for state-level cybersecurity. Initially, its primary function was to serve as a centralized hub for threat intelligence sharing, incident reporting, and analysis. Located at the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center (NJ ROIC), the NJCCIC brought together experts from various sectors, including NJOHSP, the New Jersey Office of Information Technology, and the New Jersey State Police. This collaborative structure facilitated transparent information sharing among government agencies, businesses, and residents, earning praise from cybersecurity researchers for its innovative approach.
Comprehensive Cyber Defense Services
Today, the NJCCIC offers a wide range of services, including active cyber defense, incident response, and continuous risk monitoring for state and local government entities. This includes counties, municipalities, K-12 school districts, state and community colleges, and public water systems. The NJCCIC processes and analyzes over 24 billion security indicators daily, successfully blocking more than 10 million cyberattacks targeting government networks and systems each month.
Director Michael Geraghty emphasizes the evolution of the NJCCIC’s mission: “We recognized early on that cybersecurity could not be siloed – it required a broad coalition. Over the past decade, the NJCCIC’s mission has grown from simply gathering intelligence to actively defending New Jersey’s networks.”
National Recognition and a Unified Approach
New Jersey’s integrated approach to cybersecurity has garnered national attention. The National Governors Association (NGA) has highlighted the NJCCIC’s structure as a model for other states, recognizing how its placement within the NJOHSP elevates cyber defense to a core homeland security and national security function. In 2022, the NGA acknowledged New Jersey’s effective governance structure and rapid progress in building statewide cyber capabilities, reinforcing the state’s leadership in this critical area.
NJOHSP Director Laurie Doran notes, “New Jersey’s whole-of-state cybersecurity strategy proves that a unified approach works. By treating cyber threats as terrorism or disaster threats, we’ve broken down bureaucratic silos.” This strategy ensures that when cyber incidents occur, the response is as urgent and coordinated as it would be for any other homeland security threat.
A Vision Realized
Reflecting on the NJCCIC’s journey, NJOHSP Deputy Director Daniel Engelhardt, who was involved in its creation, expresses pride in its evolution into a nationally recognized model for state-level cybersecurity operations. “This milestone is a testament to the enduring vision, leadership, and commitment of Director Geraghty and the entire NJCCIC team,” he states.
Conclusion
As the NJCCIC celebrates its 10-year anniversary, it stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the realm of cybersecurity. Its proactive measures and comprehensive strategies not only protect New Jersey’s digital landscape but also serve as a blueprint for other states aiming to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks. The NJCCIC’s journey is a testament to the power of cooperation and foresight in addressing the ever-evolving challenges of the digital age.
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