A Recap of CISA’s Cyber Resilient 911 Symposiums

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, ensuring the security and resilience of Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) is crucial. The inaugural Cyber Resilient 911 (CR911) symposium, hosted by CISA’s Emergency Communications Division (ECD) in partnership with the FCC, NHTSA, and NTIA, marked a significant step towards a cyber-resilient 911 ecosystem. Held on September 19-20, 2023, in Herndon, VA, this event brought together 911 stakeholders from CISA regions 1, 2, and 3 (Northeast region) to discuss cyber threats and explore tools and solutions.

Billy Bob Brown Jr., Executive Assistant Director of CISA’s ECD, emphasized the importance of this initiative in strengthening ECCs against cyber threats. The CR911 program addresses cybersecurity challenges at all levels, especially as ECCs transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911) systems. This program, established through the March 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act, aims to align with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity standards while supporting diverse data, video, and information services.

CISA plans to continue hosting regional symposiums through 2024 to address the specific needs of the 911 community and promote stakeholder collaboration. The CR911 program, supported by partnerships and stakeholder commitment, is set to enhance the resilience of the nation’s 911 systems against evolving cyber threats.

CISA’s Emergency Communications Division (ECD) held the second regional symposium for the Cyber Resilient 911 (CR911) Program in the Southeast, involving CISA regions 4 and 6, as well as Delaware, Puerto Rico, West Virginia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The symposium brought together 911 administrators, IT/cyber experts, and Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWICs) to enhance emergency communication systems’ cyber resilience. Partners like the FCC, NHTSA, and NTIA collaborated with CISA to address cybersecurity priorities for the CR911 Program.

The event covered the current cyber threat landscape, best practices for cyberattack response, and available regional resources. Interactive sessions, breakout discussions, and a simulated cyberattack scenario helped identify stakeholders’ needs and gaps in cybersecurity capabilities.

Billy Bob Brown, Jr., Executive Assistant Director of CISA’s ECD, emphasized the importance of regional insights and feedback in building a secure and resilient 911 ecosystem. CISA plans to continue its outreach in Spring 2024 with additional symposiums in the Western and Central regions, using the insights gained to better serve the 911 community’s cybersecurity needs and achieve its vision of a protected 911 infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

CISA’s Emergency Communications Division (ECD) held the third regional symposium for the Cyber Resilient 911 (CR911) Program, involving CISA’s western regions 8, 9, and 10. The event included state 911 administrators, local and tribal representatives, IT/cyber experts, and Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWICs). Internal CISA resources like Cybersecurity Advisors (CSAs) and Emergency Communication Coordinators (ECCs) also participated.

The symposium, part of CISA’s Emergency Communications Month, underscored the importance of resilient emergency communication systems and nationwide interoperability. Partners such as the FCC, NHTSA, and NTIA helped engage stakeholders to set cybersecurity priorities for the CR911 Program. Topics covered included the cyber threat landscape, best practices for cyberattack response, lessons from the Curry County, Oregon cyberattack, and available cybersecurity resources. Interactive polling, breakout sessions, and a simulated cyberattack scenario facilitated the identification of stakeholder needs and gaps.

Billy Bob Brown, Jr., CISA’s Executive Assistant Director for Emergency Communications, highlighted the value of regional insights and collaboration in building a secure and resilient 911 ecosystem. He noted the success of previous symposiums in the Northeast and Southeast and emphasized the unique perspectives offered by the western region.

CISA plans to continue its outreach with the next symposium in May 2024 in Kansas City, Mo., involving the Central regions 5 and 7. The insights gained from these events will help refine the CR911 Program and develop products tailored to the 911 community’s needs, advancing CISA’s goal of empowering 911 systems to defend against cyber threats.

CISA’s Emergency Communications Division (ECD) held the fourth regional symposium for the Cyber Resilient 911 (CR911) Program, involving CISA Regions 5 and 7. The event gathered state 911 administrators, 911 center representatives, IT/cyber experts, and Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWICs) to enhance collaboration and resilience in emergency communication systems.

Key focuses included the current cyber threat landscape, best practices for cyberattack response, and lessons from previous incidents like the Bucks County cyberattack. Interactive sessions and a simulated cyberattack scenario helped identify needs, concerns, and gaps in cybersecurity capabilities.

Billy Bob Brown, Jr., Executive Assistant Director for CISA’s ECD, highlighted the importance of these symposiums in learning from stakeholders and federal partners like the FCC, NHTSA, and NTIA. He emphasized the goal of developing a secure and resilient 911 ecosystem through collaboration.

The symposium marked the end of the first round of regional events, with plans to continue engaging 911 stakeholders in FY25. These efforts aim to refine the CR911 Program and create products tailored to the needs of the 911 community, advancing towards a secure national emergency communications infrastructure.