Joining InfraGard

By Andrew Sekela and Sharon Shattuck

The logo for InfraGard with a background stock image of business men and women.


The FBI is pleased to announce that after a 14-month hiatus, InfraGard is accepting applications for new members. U.S. citizens with an interest in protecting critical infrastructure, contributing industry-specific insight, and advancing national security are welcome to apply.

Background

InfraGard is an FBI program that began in 1996 in the Cleveland field office as an effort to gain support from the information technology industry and academia for FBI investigations into threats against U.S. cyber infrastructure. After the events of September 11, 2001, the focus broadened to include cyber and physical threats to critical infrastructure and key resources.

In the United States, where most critical systems are run by private enterprise, cooperation between government and industry is essential in protecting and enhancing the resiliency of U.S. critical infrastructure. InfraGard is based upon this premise and relies on its members and their individual contributions to this shared mission.

To accomplish the mission, InfraGard promotes ongoing dialogue and timely communication between its members and the FBI through local, regional, and national programs. InfraGard members benefit from access to information and intelligence, networking opportunities, and virtual and in-person training programs and briefings.

InfraGard Members Alliance

One of the most valuable benefits of InfraGard membership is the opportunity to join a local InfraGard Members Alliance (IMA). An IMA is an independent nonprofit organization comprised of InfraGard members. With over 70 IMAs nationwide, one is available in virtually all states and regions. Each IMA is associated with one of the FBI’s 56 field offices to facilitate member interaction with the FBI and advance the national security mission.

IMAs represent the “boots on the ground,” offering unique and exciting local member engagement and event opportunities. By joining an IMA, members receive numerous benefits, including access to member-exclusive resources and the opportunity to attend IMA meetings, special events, trainings, webinars, and more. Members can also grow their network by connecting with other security leaders and professionals in their local area. IMA membership is a valuable and meaningful opportunity for InfraGard members to take an active role in the protection of both their local community and their country.

Application

Prospective members who meet the eligibility criteria and share a commitment to InfraGard’s mission are welcome to apply. Current members are also encouraged to refer interested friends and colleagues. Experience has shown that word of mouth and recommendations from existing FBI networks are the most effective ways to generate genuine, sustained interest from relevant industry partners. We ask that you consider advising your private sector partners about this partnership program.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers (LEOs) are eligible to join InfraGard. Becoming a member affords LEOs with access to threat bulletins and other intelligence products. In addition, it allows LEOs to establish relationships with local companies and organizations by networking with other local InfraGard members.

For the past 27 years, InfraGard has been instrumental in building relationships and facilitating information sharing between the FBI and private industry in its mission to safeguard the nation, its people, and its assets. And the program’s greatest asset is its members.

Please visit the InfraGard website, https://www.infragard.org/, and click the “Join Today” button.

“Prospective members who meet the eligibility criteria and share a commitment to InfraGard’s mission are welcome to apply.”

To qualify for InfraGard membership, an applicant must:

  • Be employed or formerly employed within critical infrastructure (student internships may be considered).
  • Be at least 18 years of age (as of the date of application).
  • Be a U.S. citizen (by birth as, defined by 8 U.S.C. 1401-1409, or by naturalization, as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1421-1459).
  • Agree to the InfraGard information-sharing policy, privacy act statement, agreements to hold harmless, and code of ethics.
  • Consent to and pass a security risk assessment and periodic reconfirmation of the assessment (this does not equate to a security clearance).

Mr. Sekela, a supervisory special agent, and Ms. Shattuck, a management and program analyst, serve in the FBI’s Office of Private Sector.