The National InfraGard Program began as a pilot project in 1996, when the Cleveland FBI Field Office asked local computer professionals to assist the FBI in determining how to better protect critical information systems in the public and private sectors. From this new partnership, the first InfraGard Chapter was formed to address both cyber and physical threats.
The NIPC, in conjunction with representatives from the private industry, the academic community, and the public sector, further developed the "InfraGard" initiative to expand direct contacts with the private sector infrastructure owners and operators and to share information about cyber intrusions, exploited vulnerabilities, and infrastructure threats. The initiative, encouraging the exchange of information by government and private sector members, continued to expand through the formation of additional InfraGard chapters, within the jurisdiction of each FBI Field Office. As of this date, all 56 field offices of the FBI have opened an InfraGard chapter, with hundreds of company members across the nation.
Note: The National Rollout area also contains articles that relate to InfraGard History.