Five Strategies for 911 Cyber Defense

The digitization of emergency response systems has brought about unprecedented efficiency and speed in public safety operations. However, the integration of these digital networks also opens avenues for cyber threats that can compromise the integrity and availability of critical 911 services.  

For public safety agencies, the proactive fortification of cybersecurity measures is not an option but a necessity. 

To safeguard the integrity and availability of these vital services, public safety agencies must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This article explores the challenges and best practices for enhancing cybersecurity in 911 systems, protecting both responders and the public. 

1. Continuous Threat Assessment and Intelligence 

Threat assessment and intelligence is a dynamic and ongoing process that forms a crucial component of proactive cybersecurity for public safety agencies.  

The goal of this continuous process is to maintain an up-to-date understanding of the threat landscape, which can change rapidly as new vulnerabilities are discovered and as threat actors develop new techniques and tools. Ongoing threat assessment involves several steps and tactics.  

Cybersecurity Task Force Formation. The formation of a specialized task force is fundamental to this strategy. This team, often composed of cybersecurity analysts, threat researchers and incident responders, is dedicated to the sole purpose of securing the 911 systems. Their expertise is directed toward identifying potential threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing attempts and more sophisticated state-sponsored cyber espionage. 

Threat Intelligence Gathering. This function involves collecting data about existing and emerging threats. It combines information from various sources, such as industry reports, security bulletins, threat intelligence feeds and known indicators of compromise. The task force must have access to advanced cybersecurity tools that facilitate automated collection and analysis of threat data. 

Monitoring and Analysis. Continuous monitoring of the 911 system’s networks and devices is required to detect malicious activities or policy violations. The task force uses security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection systems and other monitoring tools to keep an eye on network traffic and system logs for signs of compromise. Analysis of this data helps in identifying patterns that could indicate a cybersecurity threat. 

Collaboration With National Cybersecurity Centers. The task force doesn’t operate in isolation. Collaboration with national and international cybersecurity organizations allows the agency to leverage broader knowledge bases and threat intelligence networks. Sharing information about threats can help not only one agency but the entire network of public safety organizations to respond to and neutralize threats more effectively. 

Adapting Cybersecurity Defenses. As threats are identified, public safety agencies must adapt their defenses accordingly. This could mean updating firewall rules, changing network configurations, applying software patches, or enhancing security protocols. Adapting defenses also involves strategic changes, such as adopting new technologies or re-engineering processes to be more secure. 

2. Robust Cyber Defense Mechanisms 

A common misconception is that cyber security threats only come from outside the network. Advanced endpoint protection is critical in creating a comprehensive security strategy. Endpoints – any device that connects to the network, from computers to smartphones – are often the target of attackers. 

Advanced endpoint protection platforms employ a combination of techniques, including machine learning and behavioral analysis, to detect and prevent threats that traditional antivirus solutions might miss. 

Another tactical approach within robust cyber defense mechanisms is network segmentation. This strategy involves dividing the larger network into smaller, isolated segments or subnetworks.  

By segmenting networks, public safety agencies can contain the spread of an attack, should one segment be compromised. The isolation of critical components of 911 systems ensures that even if a breach occurs, the impact is confined, and the most essential services remain intact and operational. 

The efficiency of all these measures is contingent upon their ability to meet the evolving nature of cyber threats. This is where penetration testing and vulnerability assessments become essential. Through regularly scheduled testing, ethical hackers simulate cyberattacks to test the defenses of the 911 systems.  

These controlled exercises reveal vulnerabilities that might not be apparent during routine operations. Vulnerability assessments complement these tests by systematically reviewing systems for known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of potential security gaps. 

3. Comprehensive Access Control 

One of the central principles of comprehensive access control is the concept of “least privilege.” It simply means that users should be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their specific duties or responsibilities.  

In the context of 911 systems, this means that each user, whether it’s an emergency dispatcher or a system administrator, should have precisely the level of access required to fulfill their role—no more and no less. By adhering to the principle of least privilege, agencies reduce the risk of unauthorized access and limit the potential damage caused by insider threats. 

To enhance access control and strengthen security further, agencies should employ strong authentication methods. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a powerful tool in this regard. MFA requires users to provide multiple forms of verification before gaining access to the system.  

Typically, this involves something the user knows (like a password or PIN) and something the user possesses (such as a smartphone or token). MFA adds an extra layer of security that makes it significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals to gain access, even if they have stolen login credentials. 

Regular auditing of access logs and permissions is another crucial aspect of comprehensive access control. By routinely monitoring who accesses the 911 system, what actions they take and when they do it, agencies can quickly detect any suspicious or unauthorized access attempts. These access logs provide valuable data for identifying potential security incidents and can be instrumental in responding promptly to security breaches. 

4. Education and Training 

Education and Training in cybersecurity form the human firewall against cyber threats to 911 systems. It is a key recognition that technology alone cannot secure systems; the people operating them play a crucial role. Cybersecurity is as much about people as it is about technology. 

In the high-pressure environment of 911 call centers, where staff must make quick decisions, the risk of human error is amplified. To mitigate this, comprehensive cybersecurity training is essential. 

Such training moves beyond the basics of secure operations; it ingrains a security-first mindset among all personnel. From the reception of an emergency call to the dispatch of response units, each step is a potential target for cyber adversaries and each staff member is a guardian against these threats. 

Your team should be able to identify phishing attempts, which are often the precursors to more serious cyber breaches. Since phishing attempts can be incredibly sophisticated, training should involve recognizing subtle cues such as unexpected email attachments, spoofed email addresses and the urgent or unusual requests often used by attackers to trick recipients into giving passwords or clicking on malicious links. 

Handling sensitive information is another critical area covered in training. 911 systems store and process a substantial amount of confidential data, including personal details of callers and potentially sensitive incident information. Training must convey the importance of handling this data with care and to strict protocols around data access, sharing and storage. 

In addition to classroom and online training sessions, regular cybersecurity drills are instrumental. These drills simulate cyber incidents to prepare staff for real-life scenarios. They test not only the knowledge of individual team members but also the organization’s collective response to an attack.  

These exercises reveal gaps in preparedness and help to cement the training by putting theory into practice. A drill could simulate a ransomware attack locking access to critical systems or a phishing scam aimed at employees, with the subsequent steps and responses evaluated for effectiveness. 

5. Incident Response Preparedness 

While prevention is paramount, the possibility of a breach can never be entirely ruled out. An effective incident response plan is not a luxury, but a necessity.  

A robust incident response plan lays out a step-by-step protocol for dealing with various types of cyber incidents. This preparation is about having a blueprint for action the moment a breach is detected.  

The plan would typically define roles and responsibilities, ensuring that everyone knows what to do and who to report to without hesitation or confusion. It includes procedures for identifying the signs of a breach, containing the damage, eradicating the threat, and recovering any affected systems to full functionality. 

Speed is of the essence, so the plan also focuses on minimizing the time it takes to respond to and remediate a breach. Quick containment prevents further damage and helps to maintain the trust that the public places in the 911 service. The faster an agency can isolate and neutralize the threat, the less disruption there will be to its critical operations. 

Communication strategies are another vital component of incident response preparedness. In the event of a breach, there’s not only the operational response to consider but also the need to manage the message to stakeholders and the public.  

This involves determining what will be communicated, through which channels, by whom, and at what time. The goal is to ensure transparency and maintain public trust while also safeguarding sensitive information about the incident and the response. 

Beyond drafting the plan, testing its efficacy through regular drills and simulations is critical. These rehearsals are akin to fire drills; they not only ensure that everyone knows what to do when the alarm sounds but also serve to identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement in the plan.  

Just as emergency responders regularly train for disaster response, the cybersecurity team must practice how to handle potential cyber disasters. 

Cloud Resources for the Public Sector 

A proactive approach involves understanding the threat landscape, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing comprehensive security measures. By investing in education, training, and modernizing systems, public safety agencies can safeguard their 911 systems and ensure they remain a dependable lifeline for communities during emergencies.  

Cybersecurity should be viewed as an ongoing process, with agencies continually adapting to new threats and technologies to protect the public and first responders effectively. 

Explore more helpful tips about cyber security and cloud resources for the public sector.