Gov. Mike Braun proclaims October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The State of Indiana recognizes that it has a vital role in identifying, responding to and protecting its citizens from cyber threats that may significantly impact individual and collective security and privacy. In recognition, Gov. Mike Braun has proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
IDHS names Office of Cybersecurity Director
On Sept. 23, 2026, Joel Thacker was named the inaugural director of the Office of Cybersecurity. He will join IDHS on Oct. 26, 2026, bringing an extensive background in public‑safety leadership and strong relationships across all levels of government and the private sector.
Office of Cybersecurity joins IDHS!
On July 24, 2026, Gov. Mike Braun announced the establishment of the Office of Cybersecurity within the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS).
Following the sunset of the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity, the Office of Cybersecurity represents a new phase of Indiana's effort to be cyber resilient. The Office will bring a whole-of-government coordination framework to ensure Indiana has a unified playbook to address the threat of cyberattacks.
This approach will strengthen coordination and collaboration between state agencies and external stakeholders, so Indiana is well-positioned to prevent and recover from cybersecurity attacks.
About the Indiana Office of Cybersecurity
The Office of Cybersecurity is responsible for coordinating the state’s cybersecurity activities to protect the security and economy of the State of Indiana.
In collaboration with other state agencies, private and public partners, the office is continuing to implement the state’s “whole of government” approach to address cybersecurity risks that pose the greatest threats to the life and safety of all Hoosiers and the critical infrastructure that exists within our communities and across the state.
The office works closely with state agencies as it involves the prevention of – and response to – any cyber incident that affects state government, local government or critical infrastructure in Indiana. At the same time, the office is responsible for streamlining and coordinating the sharing of information with the appropriate local, state and federal partners regarding any cybersecurity threat or incident.
To continue strengthening Indiana’s cybersecurity resilience, the office will be partnering with institutions of higher education and other public and private sector organizations, and it will find ways to appropriately share cyber threat intelligence to address potential vulnerabilities and improve the level of preparedness; at a time when the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks have increased dramatically.
In addition the office will make recommendations, as needed, to the Governor and the Indiana General Assembly regarding any action that is needed to further enhance the state’s ability to deter, detect, respond to and recover from cybersecurity attacks.
The Office of Cybersecurity was established in July of 2026, as defined in IC 10-14-2-4 and affirmed in Executive Order 26-19 by Gov. Mike Braun.
