Home Springfield Press Releases 2009 InfraGard Joins the Farm Progress Show
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InfraGard Joins the Farm Progress Show

FBI Springfield August 31, 2009
  • Special Agent Marshall Stone (217) 522-9675

The Springfield Members Alliance of the FBI's InfraGard Program will be participating in the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, September 1-3, 2009. InfraGard representatives will be on hand during the event to answer questions and increase awareness about InfraGard, and the agricultural component of InfraGard, AgGard.

InfraGard began in 1996 as an effort to gain support from the information technology industry to enhance cyber infrastructure protections. After September 11, 2001, the scope of InfraGard expanded to include both cyber and physical security of all critical infrastructure, which are essential to the operations of the government and the economy.

The objectives of InfraGard include:

  • Increase interaction and information sharing among InfraGard members and the FBI on matters related to threats and vulnerabilities to critical infrastructure;
  • Provide a forum to efficiently disseminate threat advisories and alerts;
  • Promote effective liaison between local, state, and federal governmental agencies;
  • Provide members with a forum for education and training on counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and cyber crime matters.

There are currently over 80 InfraGard chapters across the country with over 30,000 members offering subject matter expertise in all infrastructure critical to our nation. The InfraGard Springfield Chapter, incorporated in the State of Illinois as a nonprofit organization, serves 84 counties in Central and Southern Illinois and currently has 240 members. With the globalization of infrastructure and increased reliance on automation, initiatives such as InfraGard become vital.

AgGard is a subprogram of InfraGard, focused on agricultural infrastructure. Through InfraGard’s secure web portal, members of the agricultural community can share information, view sector-specific open source reporting, and access unclassified intelligence reports. Members can also pose questions and alert authorities about possible security issues and vulnerabilities. 

The Farm Progress Show is set to host over 500 exhibitors, displaying farm equipment, products, and services. Ag manufacturers and suppliers from across the country and around the world are expected to participate.

InfraGard membership is free and offers networking opportunities, DHS/FBI threat advisories, discussion groups, and training initiatives. Each InfraGard chapter meets locally to provide an avenue for liaison with FBI representatives and other owners and operators of critical infrastructure in the regional area. Members can share best practices, discuss security trends, and increase awareness of local and national issues.

Anyone interested in obtaining additional information about InfraGard or AgGard may stop by the InfraGard booth at the Farm Progress Show this week, or visit these websites:

For more information about InfraGard:
http://www.infragard.net

For more information about the InfraGard Springfield Members Alliance:
http://www.infragard-illinois.org

For more information about the Farm Progress Show:
http://www.farmprogressshow.com/