Each November, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) takes the lead in recognizing National Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month. This month-long, nationwide campaign gives awareness and reaffirms the commitment to keep our nation’s critical infrastructure secure and resilient. This year’s theme is Resolve to be Resilient.
The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is doing its part in keeping the Iowa fiber optic infrastructure secure and reliable. The ICN's critical infrastructure in Iowa supports local public safety answering points (PSAPs), K-12 schools and higher education institutions, healthcare facilities, and much more. The ICN is essential in protecting not only the governmental needs of our State, but also in protecting our citizens.
According to the CISA website, critical Infrastructure includes assets, systems, and networks that provide functions necessary for our way of life. Many of the sectors rely on collaboration and information sharing between each other. In total, there are 16 critical infrastructure sectors that are part of this complex, interconnected ecosystem. The focus of our attention is directed towards the Communications sector, recognized as an "enabling function" that supports all essential infrastructure sectors. Over the years, CISA’s Communications sector has transformed from primarily offering voice services into a diverse and interconnected industry using terrestrial, satellite, and wireless transmission systems.
In Iowa, the ICN is designated as the Emergency Support Function (ESF) 2 lead for FEMA, on behalf of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This designation means that if activated, ICN manages all communications during Iowa emergencies. Our objective is to help facilitate clear communications when trying to assist in restoring and supporting communication systems in the event of cyber-attacks, natural disasters such as tornadoes and floods, and any other emergencies that may arise.
The CISA’s Shields Ready campaign helps America prepare and adapt to the changing risk conditions and withstand and recover rapidly from potential disruptions. The campaign highlights four key steps to building resilience:
- Identify Critical Assets and Map Dependencies
- Consider ways to embed resilience as a foundational design feature when upgrading or building new critical infrastructure.
- Assess Risks
- Strengthen your security plans by having a better understanding of the unique risks to your organization and systems.
- Plan and Exercise
- Exercise your preparedness plans by developing incident response and recovery plans.
- Adapt and Improve
- Conduct evaluations on a regular basis by strengthening your security plans. This will provide a better understanding of the unique risks to your organization and systems.
Follow the CISA on social media for Infrastructure Security information all month long. If you would like to know more about the "Shields Ready" campaign, visit the CISA’s Infrastructure Security Month website.