As fire departments begin to struggle with the risks of ransomware and other cyber threats, fire chiefs should start reviewing the cybersecurity of their departments.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a list of Cyber Essentials to help leaders of small local and government agencies (as well as small businesses) prepare for this new threat. Fire departments can use this holistic approach of actionable items to help mitigate their cyber risk.
The Cyber Essentials include steps that both agency leaders and IT professionals can take to improve cyber-preparedness. The Six Essential elements include “things to do first” and measures to protect your data, your systems, your staff, and yourself.
The IAFC recommends that fire chiefs review the actions described in the Cyber Essentials to protect your fire department from cyber-attacks.
Ken LaSala is the IAFC’s Director of Government Relations and Policy.