The Western Cyber Exchange is a public-private partnership that seeks to improve cybersecurity on a
regional, geographic basis. The model is pursued from the ground-up in order to complement the
top-down initiatives at the national level, and to build cyber-secure communities for the benefit
of small business and local stakeholders. The WCX also drives the local marketplace for cybersecurity,
serving as a platform and convergence point for incident response, coordination, questions and assistance.
It facilitates improved cybersecurity through actionable information sharing, training and education, research
and development, special projects (e.g., Smart Grid cybersecurity demonstrations, work force development
initiatives, etc.), and outreach into the community.
Plans for the WCX include membership for local businesses and government, public-private partnerships with
stakeholders, integration with related critical infrastructure protection entities, and association with
national programs. The WCX functions as a 501(c)(6) non-profit, thereby enabling it to serve as a trusted
partner and clearinghouse for operational cyber information sharing between government and industry, a
public-private partnership role best suited for a non-profit.
The WCX has formed partnerships with stakeholders in Colorado and New Mexico, with further coordination
underway in Alabama, Wyoming, and Arizona. The initiative is forming working groups to build out the WCX.
Please contact Helen Rome to learn about membership and participation in working groups (government and
commercial interests welcome) at hmrome@rmtech.org.
