The authors in this October edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share their knowledge and best practices for protecting communities from cybercriminals, nation-state threat actors, and transnational criminal organizations. These threats, which used to be typically handled at the state and national levels, are now local-level concerns that require robust plans to keep communities safe.
Lynda Zambrano is on the advisory board for the Domestic Preparedness Journal. Lynda is the executive director of the Northwest Tribal Emergency Management Council and the National Tribal Emergency Management Council, […]
Part 1 of a two-part series explores the nation-state threat and its implications for the emergency management community, regarding the operations, resilience, resourcing, strategies, and policies necessary to better prepare for future events.
As the demand for evidence-based decision-making continues to grow, emergency management professionals must commit to ethical data practices that respect the needs of the community and the rights of individuals. In times of crisis, data can save lives, but only if managed with care, responsibility, and respect for ethical principles.
Ray Barishansky, DrPH, is on the advisory board for the Domestic Preparedness Journal and has a passion for public health and emergency management. He sat down with the Journal’s Nicolette Casey to share his story. Learn about Dr. Barishansky’s journey from an EMT to a Doctor of Public Health.
Despite low profit margins and major setbacks caused by natural hazards and disasters, the food and agriculture sector continues to find innovative solutions. Balancing and integrating new concepts and technological advancements with an old-school farming mentality will keep this sector resilient and thriving when battling cyber and environmental threats.
The modern world increasingly relies on rapidly advancing digital technology, and cybercriminals progressively focus on ways to exploit technology’s vulnerabilities. Although higher levels of government and businesses may possess the tools necessary to protect against cyberattacks, local governments often do not.
Working with stakeholders across an organization to ensure cyber resilience is a part of disaster planning. Education is critical. Helping users understand hackers’ strategies to compromise an organization is foundational, and forward-looking efforts can help prevent oversights or critical failures during larger events.
The United States has never been shielded from transnational organized crime syndicates or transnational street gangs operating in its borders. But these days, extensive and additional technology are needed across federal, state, and local agencies. Moreover, combating these organizations will require better collaboration and coordination among partner agencies as well as human intelligence within migrant communities.
As digital threats against local governments and private entities grow more sophisticated, the need for action becomes urgent. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and at the local level, it forms the bedrock of the collective digital safety and security for all. Every citizen, agency, and organization must play a part in this effort.