Narrowband  |  2025-09-08

New Project 25 'User Needs Working Group' Video Series to focus on P25 Encryption

Source: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/joint-safecom-ncswic-project-25-p25-user-needs-working-group-unwg-releases-unwg-video-series

Videos have been developed by the Joint SAFECOM-NCSWIC P25 UNWG with support from CISA.

SAFECOM, the CISA public safety communications advisory body, along with the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC), launched an instructional video series to continue its commitment to improving the emergency communication prowess of the whole nation.

To safeguard the interoperability and communication of public safety communications between all levels of government and among multiple jurisdictions, SAFECOM has developed a robust strategy that incorporates a sophisticated Emergency Communication System to be utilized throughout the USA. These functionalities are encompassed in the operations of the SAFECOM 4 standing committees: Education & Outreach, Governance, Funding & Sustainment, and Technology Policy. These committees work in collaboration to SAFECOM to steer the execution of strategic priorities that facilitate communication among public safety agencies during crucial periods.

A critical mission encompasses protecting the Project 25 (P25) Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems, which provides the critical voice communication framework for public safety agencies acreoss the USA. This mission encompasses the objectives of the Joint SAFECOM-NCSWIC Project 25 User Needs UNWG Video Series.

The new video series features threee videos:

In the “What is the Difference Between Link Layer Authentication, Link Layer Encryption, and Voice Traffic Encryption?” Video, members of UNWG discuss three types of P25 LMR encryption and why all are important to emergency communications security.

The “What is Link Layer Authentication (LLA)?” video explains how LLA works to encrypt and authenticate P25 LMR emergency communications with real life examples from emergency communications practitioners.

The third video, “What is the Joint SAFECOM-NCSWIC Project 25 User Needs Working Group?”, highlights the working group’s role in ensuring interoperability for all P25 LMR emergency communications practitioners and how public safety can get involved.

The UNWG Video Series can be found at cisa.gov/safecom/project-25. To learn more about P25 and the UNWG, visit www.cisa.gov/safecom/project-25 or email SAFECOMGovernance@mail.cisa.dhs.gov.