Fusion Center Cybersecurity

Fusion Centers are state-owned and operated centers that serve as focal points in states and major urban areas for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information among state, local, Tribal and territorial, federal, and private sector partners. The national network of Fusion Centers brings critical context and value to Homeland Security and Law Enforcement via the sharing of information.

The Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center was established in 2009 as a joint endeavor between the Kansas Attorney General's Office and the Adjutant General's Department. Its mission is to generate intelligence analysis critical for homeland security policy and relevant threat warning to protect life, liberty, and property in Kansas and the Great Plains region.

Public Utilities Fortnightly spoke with intelligence expert Dave Young, who wears two hats at the Kansas Fusion Center, as to why the energy sector is an important part of the work done by State Fusion Centers. Enjoy this conversation.

PUF's Steve Mitnick: AI is going to be replacing a lot of jobs, but not yours. Talk about what you do.

Dave Young: I'm dual hatted. My first hat is Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Kansas. In Kansas, the Homeland Security Advisor is the Kansas Adjutant General, who is also in charge of the Kansas National Guard and the Kansas Division of Emergency.