Protecting Critical Communication Systems
Protecting Critical Communication Systems
Under Pressure 5 August 2022
Protecting critical systems from attack
A recent article from the US has highlighted the importance of protecting critical communication systems used during emergencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warned that vulnerabilities in TV and radio software networks could lead to fake messages being sent by hackers. Thank you to Steven Kuhr for highlighting this on LinkedIn.
It is an important reminder that communication during a crisis is an important part of the operational response. Being able to find ways to communicate if technology fails, ensuring there are back up systems that can be used, and protecting communication from cyber attacks are all things that should be at the top of our priorities.
Business continuity is about more than where people sit to do their work or what laptops that they may be able to use. It is now about how critical communication systems are protected to ensure important and vital information can be shared.
Crisis communication testing must include some of these challenges to the response. I have included hacking strands in most of my recent crisis simulations and scenarios that have been developed. It is not the main issue being addressed but has the potential to derail a crisis communication response.
Nobody wants to be facing a crisis without the ability to communicate as they have planned and prepared for. You can read the CNN article here.
Emergency Planning and Communication Together
For many years I worked with emergency planners but despite dealing with the same situations we spoke a different language. At times it was frustrating for both of us. I could never quite grasp what they needed from communication and I know they struggled to understand the communication approach and priorities that I would be focused on. But we all wanted the same thing - to be as prepared and resilient as possible to emergencies and disasters.
It is this experience that made me connect and then join the Emergency Planning Society and then at the start of this year to help establish the Communications Professional Working Group (PWG). I am sure many communication professionals don’t realise that they can also join the EPS and have the benefits that it brings.
At the moment I chair the EPS Comms PWG and I am hoping that more communication professionals who are already members join us in identifying and developing best practice, training and hopefully improving emergency communication. There is so much positive work that is taking place we need to ensure it is captured and shared so we get better at helping people using communication at times of crisis.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the EPS and then hopefully joining the Communication PWG get in touch with me to have a chat at amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk and find out more about the EPS here.
Managing risks to help the public
Risk management is something we may shy away from but is an essential part of communication. A report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) identified some encouraging improvements, but also said far more needs to be done to reduce risks to public safety. The Emergency Services Times article shines a light on the report and its recommendation that more needs to be done with public safety campaigns.
Crisis Simulation update
Thank you to everyone who has contacted me interested in the crisis simulation software that I am now using. If you want to find out more about building crisis simulation into your plans and preparations just get in touch to find out more.
In Brief:
Testing Times the monthly crisis communication case study from Amanda Coleman Communications Ltd was published at the start of the week. This time a telecoms outage that caused outrage. Find out what happened by getting in touch for a copy or check my LinkedIn for publication next week.
As there are warnings a recession will hit the UK before the end of 2022, Amanda has blogged about what actions PR/comms and businesses need to take now to prevent reputational crises. Read more here.
UK businesses are poorly prepared for reputational risks according to research from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. The survey contacted 300 C-level managers and directors to ask about their PR service requirements. Find out more in Strategic magazine.
Emergency Services Times reports that West Midlands Police have become the first force to use body worn camera live streaming technology. It means that when they’re in record mode those with a reason can see footage as it happens. This could be both a risk and opportunity for communication teams particularly when dealing with an emergency or crisis. Find out more here.
Diary Dates:
If you are interested in developing a communication strategy and finding out how to think more strategically, Amanda’s popular half day workshop for the PRCA will take place again on 14 September. Find out more here.
14 September 2022 - the PRCA Crisis Management webinar from Amanda will run. It provides a run through the key elements of communicating in a crisis. Find out more here.
16 September 2022 - Amanda will be running a simulation at the Crisis Communication Bootcamp run by P World. Find out more here.
Amanda will be speaking at this year’s Emergency Services Show in September. Find out more here.