Cybersecurity

Continued innovation in emergency communications technology such as Enhanced 911 and Next Generation 911 (NG911) has brought a multitude of benefits to all 911 users, including the public, public safety answering points (PSAPs)/Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs) and responders in the field. Capabilities such as sending real-time videos and texts from the public to the PSAP, providing accurate and three-dimensional location information to emergency responders, or enabling data-sharing between PSAPs all require an Internet Protocol (IP) platform.

With the increased ability to send data and information from callers to 911, and on to emergency responders, comes the expanded risk of cybersecurity attacks and other cyber threats. PSAPs must be prepared to actively manage possible cybersecurity threats such as hackers using auto-dialers to overwhelm PSAP phone lines or accessing or corrupting data.

The National 911 Program continues to collaborate with the 911 community and other federal agencies to provide support for the development of cybersecurity resources. The Program’s Documents & Tools section includes specific resources aimed at increasing understanding of cybersecurity issues and reducing the threat to emergency communications.

Cybersecurity Resources

• CISA 911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub

• CISA Next Generation 911 Resources

• State of 911 Webinar: Closing NG911 Cybersecurity Gaps to Improve Resiliency & Combating 911 Staffing and Retention Challenges

• SAFECOM Considerations for Cyber Disruptions in an Evolving 911 Environment

• Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications: Cyber Risks to Next Generation 911

• Federal Communications Commission Task Force on Optimal PSAP Architecture (TFOPA) Report & Recommendations on Cybersecurity

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity