"SAFECOM and NCSWIC Develop Considerations for Cyber Disruptions in an Evolving 911 Environment"
The US Homeland Security Department's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has announced the release of the "Considerations for Cyber Disruptions in an Evolving 911 Environment" document. Nationwide, Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) are transitioning from older, legacy systems to NG911. NG911's enhanced connectivity introduces new vectors for threats that can disrupt ECC operations. For example, ECCs may experience cyber incidents due to malicious actors or a faulty software update to a managed service provider's network. Therefore, ECCs should ensure that their Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans define processes and procedures for responding to cyber incidents. The document was developed by CISA, SAFECOM, and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) to help ECCs create or update their COOP plans to better respond to cyber incidents as they transition to NG911. The document discusses the threat vectors for NG911 systems and provides considerations for updating COOP plans, such as identifying alternate ECCs, maintaining data, and engaging partners. This article continues to discuss the release of the "Considerations for Cyber Disruptions in an Evolving 911 Environment" document.