Cybersecurity and NG911: Protecting The 911 Emergency Center from Digital Threats

Today, the world runs on digital communication technologies more so than ever. These technologies are the backbone of modern public safety, which means the 911 emergency center and their telecommunication systems have also been transforming. With the implementation of og NG9-1-1, public safety call centers have access to improved location accuracy, faster communication, and multimedia capabilities. While these advantages of updated 911 emergency systems enhance public safety, they’re still vulnerable to possible cyber threats.

In this blog from NGA, we’ll discuss securing these powerful systems to help ensure that first responders can continue to provide fast, precise, and reliable emergency response.

Table of Contents:

1. The Need to Protect the Digital Backbone of 911 Emergency Centers
2. Common Cyber Threats Facing Emergency Systems
3. Cybersecurity and NG911: Best Practices for Our Emergency Systems
4. Collaboration Between Public Safety and IT Experts
5. Conclusion

The Need to Protect the Digital Backbone of 911 Emergency Centers

911 call centers no longer just answer emergency phone calls. With the adoption of NG911 (Next Generation 911), these public safety agencies utilize sophisticated digital infrastructures that support real-time emergency information through different types of multimedia content. With Next Generation 911, dispatchers have direct communication with individuals in need through text messages, videos, photos, and more.

The system also uses innovative technologies like GPS and geospatial software to pinpoint the exact location of a 911 caller. Being able to support such complex technologies helps improve emergency response efficiency, but also opens up 911 systems to potential cyber threats that can interrupt vital services.

Cybersecurity threats attacking emergency call centers are a growing concern. Cybercriminals and hackers know the importance of these systems and target them to access sensitive information or to cause disruptions. Understanding these risks is fundamental for maintaining the integrity of our nation’s public safety services.

Common Cyber Threats Facing Emergency Systems

As modern emergency systems move away from traditional analog infrastructures and shift to digital networks, they can become vulnerable to different types of cyber threats. Knowing and being aware of these possible threats is essential to make sure that our emergency response systems remain functional and secure.

Below are some of the most common cyber threats to our the 911 call center and their response systems:

• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: DDoS attacks flood PSAPs with malicious traffic, overwhelming servers and preventing actual 911 calls from being answered​.
• Ransomware: Malicious actors may target emergency response systems, encrypting critical information and holding it hostage for ransom. This could interrupt emergency response efforts and endanger public safety services​.
• Data Breaches: Emergency systems store sensitive information, including caller location details and data. A breach of this information can expose individuals to identity theft or other malicious practices​.
• AI Manipulation: AI (artificial intelligence) plays a growing role in managing call volumes, routing, and triage. However, it can be exploited through data poisoning or adversarial inputs, leading to misclassification of emergency calls or resource misallocation​.

Cybersecurity and NG911: Best Practices for Our Emergency Systems

Adopting strong cybersecurity practices for protecting 911 systems is vital. By implementing proven strategies, 911 call centers and their infrastructures can reduce their chances of vulnerabilities.

The best practices listed below can help ensure systems like NG911 stay operational and secure in the face of cyber attacks.

1. Network Segmentation: Isolating NG911 systems from other networks can help limit exposure to cyberattacks. By creating distinct network environments for emergency systems, the risk of an attack spreading to critical infrastructures is decreased​.
2. Encryption and Secure Communication: All information transmitted through Next Generation 911 systems should be encrypted to make sure that sensitive data, like caller locations or health information, cannot be accessed by malicious actors​.
3. Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection: Implementing advanced threat detection systems can help the 911 call center discover unusual patterns of activity that may indicate an ongoing cyberattack. Early detection allows for faster response and mitigation​.
4. Employee Training and Awareness: Human error remains a significant vulnerability in cybersecurity. Staff at emergency call centers should be trained to recognize phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and other cyber threats. Updating training programs on a regular basis can help mitigate risk​.

Collaboration Between Public Safety and IT Experts

NG911 security requires collaboration between public safety officials and IT professionals. Given the technical complexities of cybersecurity, call centers should partner with cybersecurity experts to make sure their systems are protected against common and growing threats. Government initiatives also offer valuable resources for public safety agencies seeking to strengthen their digital defenses.

​Conclusion

The shift to NG911 is reshaping emergency response, providing unparalleled capabilities for faster, more informed reactions to emergencies. However, this transition also brings new cybersecurity risks that must be addressed. By staying ahead of these threats and implementing strong security measures, the 911 call center can ensure that NG911 remains a vital and secure tool for protecting the public.

Connect with our NG911 providers and experts at NGA today!