Recognizing the vital role of Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) in public safety, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in collaboration with SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC), has unveiled an initiative to empower ECCs across the nation – the 911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub.
Ryan Ford, Federal Facilitator for the Joint SAFECOM/NCSWIC Next Generation 911 (NG911) Working Group at CISA, emphasizes the necessity for ECCs to have access to comprehensive cybersecurity resources.
He acknowledges the challenges faced by ECCs in navigating the plethora of available resources and finding relevant information tailored to their needs. The 911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub serves as a centralized repository, streamlining access to essential resources and expertise.
911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub: A Multifaceted Approach to Cybersecurity
The hub is designed to address the multifaceted cybersecurity needs of ECCs, offering a diverse array of resources sourced from federal agencies, industry partners, academia, and the private sector. From reporting cyber incidents to accessing real-world case studies and educational opportunities, ECCs can find valuable tools and best practices to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
Collaboration has been integral to the development of the Resource Hub. CISA, SAFECOM, and NCSWIC have worked closely with state and local public safety stakeholders, drawing on their insights and expertise to tailor the hub to the unique requirements of ECCs nationwide.
This collaborative approach ensures that the hub remains relevant, responsive, and effective in addressing the evolving cybersecurity challenges faced by ECCs.
Enhancing Critical Infrastructure Resilience
In addition to the 911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub, CISA has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing critical infrastructure resilience. The Regional Resiliency Assessment Program (RRAP), launched in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security, represents a significant stride towards enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure.
The RRAP seeks to foster a comprehensive understanding of regional critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and promote actionable measures to mitigate risks. By forging partnerships across federal, state, local, and private sector entities, the RRAP aims to cultivate a collaborative approach to resilience-building, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains robust and resilient in the face of emerging threats.
Amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience, CISA has unveiled its priorities for the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC). Despite recent scrutiny, the JCDC remains committed to combating evolving cyber threats with renewed vigor. By realigning resources and strategic direction, CISA aims to enhance the effectiveness of the JCDC in safeguarding the nation’s critical assets against cyber threats.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and proliferate, the importance of proactive measures to protect critical infrastructure cannot be overstated. Through initiatives like the Resource Hub, RRAP, and the JCDC, CISA is leading the charge in empowering ECCs and critical infrastructure stakeholders to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape with confidence and resilience.
In conclusion, the launch of the 911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity in emergency communications. By providing ECCs with access to comprehensive resources and expertise, CISA, SAFECOM, and NCSWIC are empowering ECCs to safeguard their networks and uphold their critical role in ensuring public safety and resilience.
Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.
The annual Kentucky Statewide Tornado Drill is exactly as the name suggests. MetroSafe acts as the emergency communications center for Louisville Metro, handling everything from weather alerts and evacuation orders to warnings about hazardous materials (or people).MetroSafe’s Cody Ashbaugh wants to address the most common misconception: that tornado sirens should be heard indoors.”The number one thing we want people to understand is that sirens are made for outdoor use,” he said. “They are not made to be heard in a basement, through a concrete building.”Instead, the alert system works in tandem with LENSAlert (short for Louisville Emergency Notification System Alert — text “LENSAlert” to 67283 to subscribe to text message notifications) and smartphone notifications to warn the public when necessary.The tests don’t trigger smartphone alerts, but it’s important to ensure the system works as intended, as it can be activated manually or when it detects unusual weather activity that affects one or more of the sirens placed in Louisville Metro or the six nearby counties. “It’s human nature — it’s going to fail at some point,” Ashbaugh said. “We’re going to have that backup in place, no matter what.”He’s referring to MetroSafe’s multiple redundancies—operators can move to other dispatch centers at a moment’s notice, or even access emergency systems remotely (such as from home) thanks to a cloud-based network.MetroSafe is also preparing to test a “Rapid Deployable Siren” that can be placed at events such as Thunder Over Louisville.”We want to make sure that with that amount of people in such a concentrated area that–worst case scenario, in a weather emergency, we’re able to notify everyone,” Ashbaugh said.Thunder’s the perfect test case in a city that is seeing increasing numbers of events—not just Thunder and the Kentucky Derby, but music, beer, and bourbon festivals (and beyond).”When you pack 800,000 people right on the river, you get a lot of things going on at once,” Ashbaugh said. “Some people believe Derby is our busiest day but, in fact, it’s Thunder.”
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
The annual Kentucky Statewide Tornado Drill is exactly as the name suggests.
MetroSafe acts as the emergency communications center for Louisville Metro, handling everything from weather alerts and evacuation orders to warnings about hazardous materials (or people).
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MetroSafe’s Cody Ashbaugh wants to address the most common misconception: that tornado sirens should be heard indoors.
“The number one thing we want people to understand is that sirens are made for outdoor use,” he said. “They are not made to be heard in a basement, through a concrete building.”
Instead, the alert system works in tandem with LENSAlert (short for Louisville Emergency Notification System Alert — text “LENSAlert” to 67283 to subscribe to text message notifications) and smartphone notifications to warn the public when necessary.
The tests don’t trigger smartphone alerts, but it’s important to ensure the system works as intended, as it can be activated manually or when it detects unusual weather activity that affects one or more of the sirens placed in Louisville Metro or the six nearby counties.
“It’s human nature — it’s going to fail at some point,” Ashbaugh said. “We’re going to have that backup in place, no matter what.”
He’s referring to MetroSafe’s multiple redundancies—operators can move to other dispatch centers at a moment’s notice, or even access emergency systems remotely (such as from home) thanks to a cloud-based network.
MetroSafe is also preparing to test a “Rapid Deployable Siren” that can be placed at events such as Thunder Over Louisville.
“We want to make sure that with that amount of people in such a concentrated area that–worst case scenario, in a weather emergency, we’re able to notify everyone,” Ashbaugh said.
Thunder’s the perfect test case in a city that is seeing increasing numbers of events—not just Thunder and the Kentucky Derby, but music, beer, and bourbon festivals (and beyond).
“When you pack 800,000 people right on the river, you get a lot of things going on at once,” Ashbaugh said. “Some people believe Derby is our busiest day but, in fact, it’s Thunder.”
As the increase in drone activity rises, so do the unintended consequences and nefarious uses.
The proposed recommendations outlined in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Detection and Mitigation Systems Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) Final Report, released on Jan. 9 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in conjunction with over 50 members from all facets of industries, have significant advantages and disadvantages for various industries. These industries include construction, industrial, sporting stadiums, law enforcement, campus security, medical facilities, state prison facilities, energy infrastructure, airports, home security systems, corporate espionage, realtors, air shows, festivals, races, cruise/travel industry, and many more.
Law enforcement agencies and campus security departments are increasingly relying on drones for surveillance and situational awareness. However, the misuse of drones can compromise public safety and violate privacy rights. The recommendations from the proposal can assist law enforcement and campus security personnel in identifying and neutralizing unauthorized drones, ensuring the responsible and lawful use of this technology.
Medical facilities, such as hospitals and clinics and those that have helicopter pads, need to maintain a secure environment to protect patient privacy and ensure the smooth operation of healthcare services. Drone interference can disrupt the need for expedient transport of patients from airborne medical transport, sensitive medical equipment, or compromise patient confidentiality. By implementing the proposed detection, medical facilities can safeguard their operations and provide uninterrupted care to patients.
Sporting stadiums, known for hosting large gatherings of people, need to prioritize security. Drones flying over stadiums, violating temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), can not only disrupt the event but also pose a safety risk to spectators. The implementation of detection and systems can aid in identifying unauthorized drones and taking appropriate action to protect the safety and enjoyment of attendees.
State prison facilities face unique challenges when it comes to drone interference. Unauthorized drones can be used to deliver contraband or aid in escape attempts. Since geofencing only outlines immediate boundaries of specific buildings, detection systems are a must to help prison authorities detect and neutralize drones, thereby enhancing the security of these facilities.
In the construction industry, the use of drones has become increasingly popular for surveying, monitoring construction sites, and capturing aerial footage for marketing purposes. However, without proper detection, unauthorized drones can pose a threat to worker safety, project security, and the integrity of the construction site. Some construction companies have outright banned any use of drones by company personnel and contract with third-party companies. Implementing the recommendations from this proposal can help ensure the safe and secure operation of drones in construction zones.
Similarly, industrial facilities face risks from unauthorized drone activity. These facilities often contain sensitive equipment, hazardous materials, or critical infrastructure that could be targeted by malicious drone operators. By adopting the proposed detection and possible mitigation systems if approved by the FCC, industrial facilities can enhance their security measures and mitigate potential risks and threats.
Energy infrastructure, including power plants and oil refineries, is critical to the functioning of modern society which is why they are classified as ‘critical infrastructure.’ Drones can pose a significant risk to such facilities, either through intentional attacks or accidental interference. The adoption of detection and FCC-approved mitigation systems can bolster the security measures already in place and protect these vital assets from potential threats.
Airports, being hubs of transportation, are vulnerable to drone activity. Unauthorized drones near airports can disrupt air traffic, endangering the safety of passengers and crew. By implementing the recommendations from the proposal, airports can enhance their existing security protocols and ensure the safe operation of flights.
Home security systems, designed to protect residences and personal property, can be enhanced with drone detection systems. These systems can help homeowners identify and respond to unauthorized drones, ensuring the safety and privacy of their homes.
Corporate espionage is a growing concern for businesses across various industries. Drones equipped with cameras and advanced surveillance capabilities can be used to gather sensitive information or conduct unauthorized reconnaissance. The adoption of detection systems can help organizations protect their intellectual property and maintain their competitive advantage.
Realtors, who often rely on aerial photography and videography for property listings, can benefit from the implementation of drone detection systems. Unauthorized drones flying near properties can compromise the privacy of homeowners and potential buyers. By adopting the proposed systems, realtors can ensure a secure and uninterrupted environment for property viewings.
Air shows, festivals, and races are popular events that attract large crowds. The presence of unauthorized drones can not only disrupt these events but also pose a safety risk to participants and spectators. Implementing the recommendations from the proposal can help event organizers maintain controlled airspace and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The cruise and travel industry, which relies on the smooth operation of ports and terminals, can face disruptions from unauthorized drone activity. Drones flying near cruise ships or passenger terminals can create safety hazards and logistical challenges. By implementing the proposed detection systems, the cruise and travel industry can enhance their security measures and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers.
In conclusion, the recommendations from the UAS Detection and FCC Mitigation Systems ARC Final Report have far-reaching advantages and disadvantages for various industries. By adopting the proposed detection and FCC-approved mitigation systems, these industries can enhance their security measures, protect their assets, and ensure the safety and privacy of their operations and stakeholders.
Greg MacMaster is a former Michigan State Representative and was part of the formation of the UAS Task Force. At the height of when drones were starting to become a frequent occurrence over prisons, he was the Chairman of the Michigan Department of Corrections from 2013-2014. MacMaster is also the president of Eagle Eye Media, Drone Sky Defender.
Note: The views expressed by guest bloggers and contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Campus Safety.
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The county had to declare a temporary local emergency for 911 communications, due to the loss of the primary tower, until a new tower is installed at the primary site. Communications was re-established on temporary sites.
March 07, 2024 •
Greg Jordan, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Va.
Shutterstock
(TNS) – County supervisors have declared a temporary local emergency so the officials can replace a fallen communications town quickly by skipping the usual procurement advertising and bid process.
Tazewell County Administrator Eric Young spoke Wednesday about replacing an important communications tower that was knocked down Feb. 28.
“Last week Tazewell County lost its primary communications tower on Morris Knob in a windstorm,” Young said. “Communications for law enforcement, emergency medical services and fire protection were re-established on alternate temporary sites. However, the county has declared a temporary local emergency for 911 communications, due to the loss of the primary tower, until a new tower at the primary site may be installed.
Morris Knob’s tower also served Tazewell County’s Wireless Services Authority’s wireless internet systems for Tannersville and Thompson Valley, Young said. The system is operated through a public/private partnership with the company Gigabeam.
Immediately after the storm, Tazewell County focused its resources on re-establishing emergency communications, Young said. However, the county also has been working with Gigabeam to install a new tower on the Morris Knob site.
“Due to the hazards and complexities of the work, installation firms are few and busy,” he said.
Tuesday night the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors authorized Young to use emergency procurement procedures to buy the new tower and have it installed without the usual procurement advertising and bid evaluation process.
The board expressed its desire to restore service as soon as possible, Young said.
Sheriff Brian Hieatt said Wednesday that he was at the 911 center after the tower fell.
“We had a large windstorm and it knocked one of the towers over,” Hieatt said. “This was on the main ones for one section of the county. The day right after that happened, we had people working around the clock to get communications back up. After it happened we didn’t go without any communications.”
Tazewell 911 has full communications, Hieatt said. The Gigabeam service is down in the area it served in Tazewell County.
People who depend on the internet might not have cellphone service until the Gigabeam system, which the company is working on, is fixed. Hieatt said this impacted around 60 customers.
“As far as police, fire and rescue, everything is working fine right now and we’ve got county emergency coordinators that have been working to get a replacement tower and get everything back to full function the way it was,” Hieatt said.
There was rain and wind in Tazewell County about 3 p.m. Feb. 28, but the weather up on Morris Knob included sleet and high winds, Hieatt said.
“When you have some heavy wind and rain here, it’s a whole lot worse up there,” he added.
Major Harold Heatley, who has been working with Tazewell County 911, said the county was working with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Verizon to bring in a COW — cellular on wheels — a portable communications tower which is usually deployed during natural disasters.
“We are waiting to see if we’re going to be approved for COW and then the board of supervisors approved emergency procurement last night,” Heatley said.
“And we have gone ahead with a contract to begin construction of a new tower and new instruments and hope to have it up as soon as weather allows. This is very weather dependent.”
The inclement weather could break Sunday and work on the tower could begin that day or this coming Monday if parts are available, Heatley said.
Learn about current efforts to continue to protect the 4.9 GHz Band for public safety as well as recent filings, key decisions impacting these efforts, and how you can support PSSA’s initiative to protect the 4.9 GHz band for public safety.
