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JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Our lives are affected by the Internet daily. Not only do we use it at home and at work, but nearly every machine conceivable is automated by computer programs accessible through the Internet.

The Missouri National Guard is launching a Cyber Crimes Unit to keep hackers and terrorists in check.

The unit's goal will be to make life difficult for those who plan to steal information or sabotage major landmarks or corporations.

According to our sister station KRCG in Jefferson City, First Lieutenant Derek Ditch leads the 26-person unit as an example for similar such groups starting up within the military across the United States.

Click here to read KRCG's story.

He gave an example of a situation when cyber defense may be needed.

"Earlier in the last, the previous decade, there was a major catastrophe at Tomasauk Dam, and that was caused by just a computer glitch and investigation revealed that it was not a ... any sort of cyber attack," Dtich told Jessica Troike with KRCG. "That very event stemmed a lot of research to determine if something like that could happen. It's been proven time and again that that sort of thing is what could happen if there was someone that wanted to cause a lot of significant damage."

He also said that his unit would be at Gov. Jay Nixon's call if there were to be a state-wide incident. They will also work with the Midwest division of FEMA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.