2020-06-10

US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency releases cyber risks to 911: TDoS fact sheet

Source: CISA
Curated by: Gert Jan Wolf - Editor-in Chief for The Critical Communications Review

Telephony denial of service attacks (TDoS) present a unique risk to public safety communications stakeholders, including Emergency Communications Centers (ECC), Publics Safety Answering Points (PSAP), and other 911 dispatch centers. TDoS events overload communications network elements with telephone calls—disrupting a jurisdiction’s ability to provide emergency response services. In response, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) developed the Cyber Risks to 911: Telephony Denial of Service fact sheet to educate the public safety community on TDoS threats. Public safety organizations can leverage this fact sheet to familiarize themselves with TDoS threats and mitigation best practices. Specifically, the fact sheet: Overviews common TDoS attack vectors, including mobile phones, botnets, voice over Internet Protocol services, compromised private branch exchanges, preprogrammed landline phones, and variable security standards. It highlights real-world TDoS incidents and impacts, and it provides best practices to mitigate TDoS vulnerabilities.

CISA developed the fact sheet in coordination with public safety stakeholders and cybersecurity subject matter experts to ensure the best practices support the public safety operations environment.

https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Cyber%20Risks%20to%20911%20TDoS_6.4.2020%20-%20%28508c%29_0.pdf