The integration of technology into the fire service has significantly enhanced operations, but it has also introduced new vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity has become a concern for fire departments, possibly impacting their ability to respond effectively to emergencies and protect communities.
Potential problems emanating from cybersecurity concerns include a disruption of a community’s emergency response system. False alarms could result from malicious computer hackers manipulating fire alarm systems, thus wasting resources, and causing potential danger for firefighters.
Fire Risks From A Cyber-Attack
Medical devices are connected to the IoT and are therefore vulnerable to attack
Communication is another vulnerability: A cyber-attack on communication systems could hinder coordination among firefighters and with other emergency services. Potential cybersecurity targets related to the fire service include 911 systems, public safety radios, computer-aided dispatch systems, mobile data computers, and phone systems.
In the EMS arena, electronic patient reporting and records management systems are at risk. Medical devices are connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) and are therefore vulnerable to attack.
Many firefighter tools are operated by computers, so equipment malfunction is a real possibility. The digital world continues to infiltrate almost every aspect of firefighting. Critical equipment, such as fire trucks and rescue tools could be compromised, resulting in longer response times.
Vulnerability to Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is a pernicious type of cyber-attack, involving the use of malicious software (malware) that encrypts files, rendering them inaccessible. The attackers then demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key to restore the data.
The city of Leeds, Ala., was hit by a ransomware attack in February 2018 that locked all city computers and data, including fire and police departments. A month later, Atlanta’s municipal systems were attacked, resulting in widespread outages, and disrupting city services.
Impact on Data Loss and Privacy
Fire units handle sensitive data, including the personal data of citizens and crisis responders
In addition to operational concerns, there are also possible cybersecurity consequences relating to data loss and privacy. Fire departments handle sensitive data, including the personal information of citizens and emergency responders.
A breach could lead to identity theft and reputational damage. On a more intangible level, a cyber-attack could erode public trust in the fire department's ability to protect the community. Negative publicity from a data breach can harm the fire department's image.
Phishing schemes
Among the cybersecurity threats are phishing schemes, which involve scammers attempting to obtain sensitive information from individuals, usually via email, by disguising themselves as trustworthy entities.
Phishing can take the form of fake emails or websites that mimic legitimate businesses like banks, online retailers, or social media platforms. They lure victims by offering enticing deals, creating a sense of urgency, or claiming there's a problem with an account.
Once the user clicks on a malicious link or provides personal information, the scammers can steal login credentials, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data.
Top motivators of cyber-attacks
Malicious files can be delivered as email attachments, which can contain viruses, ransomware, or other malware. Clicking a link in a suspicious email can redirect the user to a malicious website that can download malware or steal personal information.
One of the top motivators of cyber-attacks is to collect personally identifiable information (PII)
One of the top motivators of cyber-attacks is to collect personally identifiable information (PII), which is any data that can be used to identify an individual.
This information includes name, address, phone number, social security or driver's license number, medical records, credit card or bank account numbers, and biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial images. The fire service handles a lot of PII, especially in emergency situations, including incident reports, property records, or patient information related to emergency medical services (EMS).
Cyber-Criminals Have a Variety of Profiles
Cyber-criminals come from a range of backgrounds and motivations. Individual hackers might be motivated by financial gain, ideology, or simply by the concept of a personal challenge. Organized crime groups might be motivated by profit, power, and/or influence.
Other cyber-crime perpetrators include nation-state actors, who might be pursuing espionage, sabotage, or political influence. These threats have significant financial and technical capabilities. They include advanced persistent threats (APTs) from countries like China, Russia, and North Korea.
Cyber threats posed by 'hacktivists'
So-called 'hacktivists' can be motivated by political or social causes to launch distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, website defacement and/or data leaks. There is also the possibility of cyber-terrorists seeking to cause mass disruption or to achieve political or ideological goals. They are capable of large-scale attacks on critical infrastructure.
Increased cyber-risks may lead to higher insurance premiums for fire departments
There is a cost component of protecting against cybersecurity threats, a critical financial implication for cash-strapped fire departments. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures requires significant financial resources.
At the other extreme, responding to a cyber-attack can be expensive, including legal fees, public relations, and system recovery. Increased cyber-risks may lead to higher insurance premiums for fire departments.
Mitigation Strategies at a Glance
Here are some mitigation strategies fire departments should consider:
- Risk assessment: Identify vulnerabilities and prioritize mitigation efforts.
- Employee training: Educate firefighters about cybersecurity best practices.
- Network security: Implement strong network security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
- Data protection: Regularly back up data and encrypt sensitive information.
- Data minimization: Collect only the personal data that is necessary, and then limit access.
- Incident response plan: Develop a comprehensive plan for responding to cyber-attacks.
- Contingency: Create a backup plan to mitigate risk and minimize loss of critical assets in the event of an attack.
- Compliance: Ensure adherence with relevant privacy laws such as HIPAA and GDPR.
- Collaboration: Work with other agencies and cybersecurity experts to share information and best practices.
