The session kicked off with a broad discussion as to what the panelists thought the biggest security challenges and risks/threats were to modern 9-1-1 systems.  Panelist answers included the need for training, current and comprehensive standards, and creating and implementation of a cyber response plan.

The conversation then turned to what is needed in policies, procedures and educate to prepare for, mitigate, and response to cyber attacks. Panelists then discussed some of the common misconceptions regarding cybersecurity, including “it won’t happen to me”, “I don’t use the ‘Internet’”, and “my vendor has this covered.”

The panelists discussed what investigators are seeing as the most common areas of exposure in the public safety market and agreed that ransomware is the prevalent threat, but that TDoS, DDoS and emerging vectors of other threats are all still very real.  In addition, the fact that the emergency communications center is rapidly becoming the hub for all things public safety communications, the threat landscape continues to grow.

The panelists concluded with saying this is not all “doom and gloom” and offered a number of resources to public safety that are available today.  Some of the most important actions ECCs can take right now are to conduct (or have performed) a security audit, train their personnel and don’t be afraid to communicate openly with other agencies about risks, any lessons learned, and areas of concern.