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CySecurity News: Absence of Cybersecurity Expertise Affects Public-Safety Organizations

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Cybersecurity threats have become pervasive for police departments, first responders, and other public-safety organizations, with 93% of organizations reporting a cybersecurity incident in the previous year. According to a report published on December 8 by cloud platform provider Mark43, which was based on a survey of 343 first responders. 

Based on the 2023 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report, 76% of first responders are concerned about the vulnerability of their IT systems to ransomware attacks and data breaches. Simultaneously, the vast majority of first responders must deal with outdated technology and disconnected systems, with 68% of public-safety officers required to file paperwork from the office rather than in the field, and 67% of first responders experiencing issues with inefficient technology, according to the report.

“These agencies in many cases do not have a dedicated security staff who can worry about these issues all day, ensuring that data is backed up and running vulnerability scans,” he says. “To the the [cybersecurity] community, these are table stakes — you need to be doing patching, you need to be doing vulnerability scanning … but these agencies are realizing that they cannot protect themselves from these risks on their own.”

While technology can help fix many of the problems that presently afflict first responders, most state and local agencies lack the technical expertise to protect such technology from threats, as per Larry Zorio, chief information security officer for Mark43, which provides information systems for law enforcement and first responder agencies.

In 2021, the FBI warned that the Conti cybercriminals group had targeted at least 16 healthcare and first responder networks with ransomware. A ransomware attack disrupted 911 service in Suffolk County, New York in September 2022.

First Responders are being targeted

According to the FBI’s 2021 advisory, these attacks pose additional risks to citizens.

“Cyberattacks targeting networks used by emergency services personnel can delay access to real-time digital information, increasing safety risks to first responders and could endanger the public who rely on calls for service to not be delayed,” the advisory stated. “Loss of access to law enforcement networks may impede investigative capabilities and create prosecution challenges.”

Ransomware attacks, in general, are expected to continue at the same rate, according to information technologists. According to a study commissioned by Ransomware.org, the vast majority of IT professionals (84%) see ransomware as a significant threat to businesses. Furthermore, 41% of IT professionals believe their company will be a target this year, while 43% believe the threat will remain the same.

The cybersecurity concerns of first responders are not unwarranted. In 2019 and 2020, ransomware groups intensified their attacks on state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government agencies. In 2019, for example, a coordinated ransomware attack on 22 town agencies and local government organizations disrupted citizen services. Ransomware attacks on local school systems impacted at least 753,000 students in 2019 and 1.2 million in 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

For first responders, cybersecurity threats must be balanced against the slow adoption of technology that could improve the efficiency of their jobs and operations. While the majority of first responders believe that an integrated reporting system would streamline operations, according to the Mark43 survey, only a quarter of first responder organizations (27%) have moved to the cloud — the other two-thirds have not.

According to the Mark43 survey, compliance and data transparency are also major concerns for first responders, with 86% of respondents requesting improved crime reporting and two-thirds requesting more public transparency.

The agencies must prioritize roles in technology, data management, and cybersecurity. Instead, cybersecurity is frequently delegated to untrained IT personnel within the department or to officers nearing retirement, according to Zorio.

“I don’t feel that officers, who are trying to serve our communities, the fact that they are worried about that every day is definitely a concern,” he says. “The industry in general needs to help them where we can, because it is not their job to worry about cybersecurity.”

Based on the survey, cybersecurity issues include both malicious cybercriminal attacks and availability issues caused by attacks.

Original Story: https://www.cysecurity.news/2022/12/absence-of-cybersecurity-expertise.html

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Dark Reading: Lack of Cybersecurity Expertise Poses Threat for Public-Safety Orgs

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By: Robert Lemos, Contributing Writer

Source: PIXABAY

Cybersecurity threats have become commonplace for police departments, first responders, and other public-safety groups, with 93% of organizations experiencing a cybersecurity issue in the past year.

That’s according to a report released on Dec. 8 by cloud platform provider Mark43, based on a survey of 343 first responders. The 2023 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report found that 76% of first responders had concerns that their IT systems are vulnerable to ransomware attacks and data breaches.

At the same time, the vast majority of first responders must deal with outdated technology and disconnected systems, with 68% of public-safety officers required to file paperwork from the office rather than in the field, and 67% of first responders encountering issues with inefficient technology, according to the report.

While adopting technology can solve many issues that currently plague first responders, most state and local agencies do not have the technical expertise to protect such technology against threats, says Larry Zorio, chief information security officer for Mark43, which provides information systems for law-enforcement and first responder agencies.

“These agencies in many cases do not have a dedicated security staff who can worry about these issues all day, ensuring that data is backed up and running vulnerability scans,” he says. “To the the [cybersecurity] community, these are table stakes — you need to be doing patching, you need to be doing vulnerability scanning … but these agencies are realizing that they cannot protect themselves from these risks on their own.”

First responders’ cybersecurity concerns are not unwarranted. In 2019 and 2020, ransomware groups started targeting state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government agencies in earnest. In 2019, for example, 22 town agencies and local government organizations were targeted with a coordinated ransomware attack disrupting services for citizens. Ransomware attacks on local school systems impacted education for at least 753,000 students during 2019 and 1.2 million in 2020.

And in 2021, the FBI warned that ransomware spread by the Conti cybercriminals group had targeted at least 16 healthcare and first responder networks. In September 2022, a ransomware attack disrupted 911 service for Suffolk County, NY.

Targeting First Responders

These attacks carry with them additional risks for citizens, the FBI stated in its 2021 advisory.

“Cyberattacks targeting networks used by emergency services personnel can delay access to real-time digital information, increasing safety risks to first responders and could endanger the public who rely on calls for service to not be delayed,” the advisory stated. “Loss of access to law enforcement networks may impede investigative capabilities and create prosecution challenges.”

In general, the information technologists believe that ransomware attacks will continue at the same pace. The vast majority of IT professionals (84%) see ransomware as a significant threat to businesses, according to a study commissioned by Ransomware.org. In addition, 41% of IT professional believe their company is more likely to be a target this year, and 43% believe the threat will remain the same.

Cloud Adoption Lags

For first responders, the cybersecurity threats are balanced against the slow adoption of technology that could make their jobs and operations more efficient. While the majority of first responders believe that an integrated system for reporting would streamline operations, only a quarter of first responder organizations (27%) have moved to the cloud — two-thirds have not, the Mark43 survey found.

The Mark43 survey found that compliance and data transparency are also significant concerns for first responders, with 86% of respondents asking for improved crime reporting and two-thirds of those surveyed wanting more public transparency.

The agencies need to prioritize technology, data management, and cybersecurity roles. Instead, cybersecurity is often tasked to untrained IT workers inside the department or to officers that are nearing retirement, Zorio says.

“I don’t feel that officers, who are trying to serve our communities, the fact that they are worried about that every day is definitely a concern,” he says. “The industry in general needs to help them where we can, because it is not their job to worry about cybersecurity.”

The survey defined cybersecurity issues as both malicious attacks by cybercriminals and availability problems caused by attacks.

Original Story: https://www.darkreading.com/remote-workforce/lack-cybersecurity-expertise-poses-threat-public-safety-orgs

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Majority of first responders call for modern technology solutions to improve public safety, crime reporting and increase community engagement

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NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2022 — Modern policing requires modern technology, so leading law enforcement agencies will increasingly move to cloud-native solutions for superior resiliency and security in handling their data, according to a new 2023 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report released today by Mark43, the leading cloud-based public safety software company. The report is based on new survey data from public safety professionals across the United States. 

Mark43’s 2023 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report also found that members of public safety organizations believe leveraging technology and data analysis are critical tools in addressing crime and violence while continuing to strengthen community engagement. First responders also believe that data and transparency are vital building blocks to maintaining and cultivating community trust.  In addition, the report found the value of public safety agencies increasingly addressing the challenge of recruitment and retention by investing in their people.

“We heard from first responders across the country and to best serve their communities, they said they need access to modernized systems to help increase efficiency and decrease the number of hours lost to their daily responsibility of handling reporting and administrative tasks,” said Matt Polega, Co-founder and Head of External Affairs, Mark43, which works with over 200 agencies across the U.S. and U.K., including Boston, DC, Seattle, San Antonio, Atlanta and Cumbria (U.K). “That time could be better spent on-site and in the community. The 2023 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report shows that technology plays a central role in everything a public safety agency does, and by using Mark43 technology, police departments can improve the safety and quality of life for all.” 

The report included these findings:

Reporting and Efficiency

  • Over 2/3 (68%) of respondents said that they must go to a physical location such as a station house or office to complete required paperwork instead of using cloud technology, like Mark43, to complete these tasks digitally where they could stay in the community helping people. 
  • While first responders are often thought to spend most of their days fighting violent crime, only about 1/4 (24%) would consider it a top-three daily responsibility. They’re spending more time on mental health calls (42%) and paperwork (50%). 
  • A solid majority (86%) of first responders want improved crime and incident reporting – modernized technology through cloud software can do just that. Over half (57%) say their agency would benefit from an integrated platform to streamline reporting. 
  • Luckily, it seems first responders have fully accepted the necessity of use of mobile phones on the job – a near-total majority (93%) rely on their mobile device for emergency dispatch software, capturing evidence and connecting with the community. 

Cybersecurity

  • Over 3/4 (76%) of first responders worry their organization’s data is vulnerable to theft and ransomware, showing a need for enhanced security like cloud-based data management systems.
  • And these worries are validated – a near-total majority (93%) report they experienced a cybersecurity issue in the last year. 
  • Data security goes together with data transparency, and first responders are pushing for a deeper understanding internally and externally. Of law enforcement respondents, 66% think there should be greater transparency of data and statistics with the public, and 74% responded they would like greater internal transparency within their agencies.

Mental Health

  • The public safety sector needs to do more to support its employees – almost half (44%) of first responders have considered leaving their jobs due to work-related stressors.
  • It’s no surprise some are feeling the stress – over 2/3 (67%) of respondents report having too many different and/or competing responsibilities during the workday. 
  • Amid challenges with record resignations, over 3/4 (77%) of public safety professionals would stay on the job longer with added diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Using the expertise of public safety respondents collected through the survey, insight from Mark43 customers, and input from leading luminaries in law enforcement, the Mark43 U.S. Public Safety Trends report identifies the below emerging six trends that will impact public safety in 2023 and beyond. You can find the full report here. 

  1. Leading agencies will move to cloud-native solutions for superior resiliency and security
  2. Technology and data analysis are critical tools to address violent crime and gun violence
  3. Modern policing requires modern technology
  4. Agencies will address the recruitment and retention challenge by investing in their people
  5. Compliance must be a habit, not a one-time event
  6. Transparency and access to reliable data are vital building blocks to cultivating and maintaining trust

“As we approach 2023, the public expects police departments to use cutting-edge technology solutions that are reliable and resilient,” Mark43’s Matt Polega said. “To meet these expectations, in 2023, we’ll see leading public safety agencies prioritize upgraded data management systems and equipment. Timely, accurate, and robust data analysis is critical in making decisions, allocating resources and serving the community effectively.”

Methodology

Propeller Insights conducted a national online survey of 343 first responders between October 6 and October 18, 2022. Respondents opted into an online database and were subsequently targeted based on demographics. To further confirm qualifications, respondents were asked to verify their information in the survey, and self-identifying capabilities, with the maximum margin of sampling error being +/- 5 percentage points with a 95 percent confidence level.

About Mark43 

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. With more than 200 local, state and federal public safety agencies, Mark43 is transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise, and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com.  

Media Contact

Maddie Coe (mail to maddie@bospar.com)

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In the face of unprecedented extreme weather and other emergency situations, Mark43 announces new resilient dispatch software

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NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2022 — Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software company, which provides critical technology to more than 120 police departments across the United States including the Washington D.C. Metro Police, Seattle Police Department, San Antonio Police Department and Atlanta Police Department, today announced a new resilient computer-aided dispatch (CAD) product to support public safety in times of crisis. 

Mark43 Alternate CAD is a resilient, user-friendly cloud-native platform that is designed to serve as a backup to the agency’s primary CAD. This means that during natural disasters and other emergencies impacting the city, state or region that could otherwise impact an on-premise CAD, Mark43 Alternate CAD will continue to operate without disruption. In dispatch, seconds matter, and the cloud-native capabilities allow the platform to continue to be used regardless of location or functionality of on-premise hardware. Innovative, reliable and lifesaving technology is vital so that first responders can keep working when their community needs them the most — particularly in circumstances when the primary CAD systems have gone down.

Mark43 Alternate CAD also includes functionality that pinpoints exact locations, provides enhanced mapping capabilities and clearly displays data for increased situational awareness when users arrive at incidents, enhancing both officer safety and their ability to meet the specific needs of their community. Built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Mark43 Alternate CAD continues to provide the most advanced security posture available to public safety.

The Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications has partnered with Mark43 and will be the first customer to utilize this new product as Nashville’s Alternate CAD. The primary CAD could be impaired by extreme weather or a critical incident like the Nashville Christmas bombing in 2020, and having the Mark43 Alternate CAD in place will ensure there aren’t interruptions to potentially lifesaving response. This provides Nashville with a resilient and trusted platform that will give dispatchers and first responders confidence that they can keep the entire community safe during times of emergency. 

Matt Polega, Mark43 co-founder and Head of External Affairs said, “We listened to our customers and heard what they need, as well as what their community members expect and demand, and it is reliability and resilience. We are thrilled to deliver Mark43 Alternate CAD, which builds on our proven computer-aided dispatch system, to ensure dispatchers and first responders have the tools necessary in real-time to respond to their communities quickly and effectively, regardless of the emergency.”

“It is critical that our dispatchers have tools that they can rely on in an infrastructural emergency, supporting them in what is already a difficult job. The resiliency of the Mark43 Alternate CAD means that during an emergency or a natural disaster, our first responders can remain where they belong, answering calls and helping our community,” said Stephen Martini, Nashville’s Emergency Communications Director.

In addition, the Louisiana State Police Department (LSP) adopted Mark43 CAD in 2020, and when Hurricane Ida hit in 2021 causing CAD outages across Louisiana. LSP never stopped answering calls for service.

Louisiana State Police Analyst Allen Carpenter said, “With Mark43, our mission-critical systems stay operational during the worst weather conditions. Partner jurisdictions experience significant technology outages, but Louisiana State Police keeps running.”  

Public safety is constantly confronted with evolving threats and heightened expectations. Natural disasters, cyberattacks, and system outages put technology and data at risk. Siloed platforms leave agencies stranded amidst outages and breaches. Agencies must protect their systems, sustain operations, access appropriate resources, and collaborate across all necessary channels as events unfold, and that’s what Mark43 Alternate CAD does for public safety agencies. 

Core aspects of Mark43 Alternate CAD include:

  • Stay connected during the most pressing times: Mark43 software operates across three geographically diverse availability zones, located across different flood zones and seismic planes, to ensure maximum resiliency during outages and disasters. Dispatchers and first responders can continue sharing and receiving critical data throughout their mission. 
  • Protect critical data with the strongest security posture possible: Modern architecture ensures that your data is protected using the latest in cybersecurity technology and best practices. Built on AWS, Mark43 has the most advanced security posture available to public safety. 
  • Unmatched accessibility: Mark43 is the only cloud-native records management system (RMS) and CAD platform, which minimizes downtime during any disruption by continuously backing up data across multiple geographically dispersed availability zones. AWS GovCloud (US) provides agencies with the best-in-class resiliency available. Regardless of whether a critical incident is manmade or a natural disaster, agencies using Mark43 Alternate CAD will be able to continue dispatching no matter what.
  • Expedient implementation and training: User-friendly, cloud-native technology ensures agencies can be up and running in a matter of weeks. With dedicated customer support, Mark43 provides 24/7 steadfast assistance.

About Mark43

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native, public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. Mark43 partners with more than 120 local, state and federal public safety agencies, transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com.  

Apache junction police vehicle

Apache Junction Daily Independent: $1.6M tech upgrade approved for Apache Junction police dispatch, records

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By: Richard H. Dyer

A five-year contract costing nearly $1.6 million has been approved for Apache Junction police computer-aided dispatch, records management and mobile field reporting software. 

The Apache Junction City Council voted unanimously Nov. 15 to award a contract to Mark43 for the first year costing $ 490,645.00 with four additional automatic one-year renewals costing $269,062.00 for a total not to exceed $1,566,893. In the vote the council also rejected bids by Tyler Technologies and Capers North America. 

Funding given to the city from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 — also known as the COVID-19 stimulus package or American Rescue Plan — will be used to pay for the first year of the contract. 

A request for proposals was sent out for the new computer-aided dispatch and records management system, Police Chief Michael Pooley said. 

“This is kind of the brains behind the entire police department that holds all of our records, that helps us send officers to different locations when a call comes in. And it really is our entire system that we base our operations off of,” he said at the council meeting. 

“There were two other companies that put in for this. One of them was Capers North America; the other was Tyler Technologies. After a very thorough review and selection process we determined that Mark43 was — and it will be — the best CAD/ RMS system that will help us to do exactly what we want to do out here in Apache Junction Police Department and the city,” Pooley said. “This is going to be funded the first year through the American Rescue Plan Act — ARPA money — for the $490,645 for this year. It is for a five-year contract with a total of $1,566,893.” 

Capers North America’s bid was $377,000 and Tyler Tech’s bid was $1,488,135, Pooley and Purchasing Administrator Kimberly Heldt said in a written memo to the council. 

“Staff reviewed the proposals for proven technical ability, qualifications/ experience, proposed solution/ method of approach and pricing. Mark43 was deemed the most responsive and responsible bidder,” they said in the memo. “The Apache Junction Police Department’s current computer-aided dispatch and records management system needs updating and replacement due to the limited level of functionality offered by the current system and aging hardware and software. AJPD needs a system that allows end users to better analyze public safety trends, link crime and events, identify suspects and improve the quality of field reporting and statistical reporting.” 

Mark43 is a cloud-native public safety software company from New York, New York, according to https:// mark43.com. 

The implementation of Mark43 CAD will include Mark43 OnScene, a mobile dispatch application; and Mark43 Analytics. The new CAD system operates as a natural extension of the dispatcher, call 

taker and infield first responder during an emergency response. Using Mark43 OnScene, officers will be able to receive calls from anywhere on their mobile device. This keeps officers out of their car and in the field where they belong, according to a Mark43 release. 

The Apache Junction Police Department’s current computer-aided dispatch and records management system needs updating and replacement due to the limited level of functionality offered by the current system and aging hardware and software, officials said. 

Original Story: https://www.yourvalley.net/apache-junction-independent/stories/16m-tech-upgrade-approved-for-apache-junction-police-dispatch-records,344607?utm_campaign=Apache%20Junction&utm_content=229549475&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-3018203

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Mark43 announces new partnership with Apache Junction Police Department to bring a modern technology solution to improve public safety

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Industry-leading cloud-native Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics Platform will provide faster and more efficient emergency response 

November 16, 2022 – Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software company, today announced that it is partnering with Apache Junction Police Department to bring its industry-leading cloud-native records management system (RMS), computer-aided dispatch (CAD), and analytics platform to provide a secure, reliable and cost-effective technology solution. This partnership provides Apache Junction police with a trusted, data-driven platform that will support the safety of the entire community. 

The implementation of Mark43 CAD will include Mark43 OnScene, the mobile dispatch application, and Mark43 Analytics, helping Apache Junction’s telecommunicators and officers better serve the community. The new CAD system operates as a natural extension of the dispatcher, call taker, and in-field first responder during an emergency response. Using Mark43 OnScene, officers will be able to receive calls from anywhere on their mobile device. This keeps officers out of their car and in the field where they belong. 

Mark43 CAD also provides vital functionality that pinpoints exact locations and clearly displays data for increased situational awareness when responders arrive at calls, enhancing both officer safety and their ability to meet the specific needs of their community. This means officers can spend more time responding to the public, addressing crime, and being out in the community deepening ties with those community members. In addition, with dedicated customer support, Mark43 will provide 24/7 steadfast assistance to address any customer needs and questions as they arise.

Michael Pooley, Chief of Apache Junction Police Department said, “We’re excited to be working with Mark43 on this partnership. It is imperative that our police and dispatchers have the best tools available to keep the community safe. We wanted a solution that would show us where the hot spots are, where our officers are, and also allow us to track caseloads to help our detectives close cases. We chose a solution that would give us all of that, and would also be easy for the officers and dispatchers to use. The Mark43 platform provides us with the modern technology we need, ensuring that we have a superior, reliable dispatch platform and records management system. This partnership will help our officers with their core mission of helping the community.”

Matt Polega, Mark43 co-founder and Head of External Affairs said, “We are thrilled to launch this partnership with the Apache Junction Police Department to support their mission of employing modern technology to help keep residents safe. Our proven technology will undoubtedly help ensure that the police officers and telecommunicators serving Apache Junction have the tools necessary in real-time to respond to their communities quickly and effectively.”   

This new partnership with Mark43 will also provide Apache Junction with an intuitive data system which will be used by officers and staff in everyday policing. The technology that powers the Mark43 RMS enables faster report-writing, integrated compliance standards, better case management, and enhances work performance and job satisfaction. The system will increase community engagement by taking time back from administrative tasks and letting officers spend more time out in the field with the community.  

Mark43 was Apache Junction’s vendor of choice due to its innovative, resilient, and best-in-class technology for first responders. In particular, the user-friendly system is cloud-native, which means it updates in real time and allows for users to remain constantly connected and share mission-critical data throughout the day. Police and dispatch need the best tools as they work day-in and day-out to respond to the needs of their community. In addition, Apache Junction required an accurate data analytics platform for enhanced operational deployment to address crime. The upgraded records management and record storage abilities will be a significant improvement over the existing system, meaning the Apache Junction Police Department can better collect, manage, and report critical crime statistics, while also ensuring more effective case management and oversight on criminal investigations.

About Apache Junction

Nestled at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction is strategically positioned as the eastern gateway into the Greater Phoenix metro area (Valley of the Sun) and the western entry to the Tonto National Forest’s recreation venues. The surrounding geography and western atmosphere draw more than half a million visitors through the city annually. From the mysterious stories of hidden treasures to the people who follow them, Apache Junction is surrounded by legends. Follow the city of Apache Junction on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AJCityAZ and like the city of Apache Junction on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofAJ.

About Mark43

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. With more than 120 local, state and federal public safety agencies, Mark43 is transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise, and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com.  

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Digital Information World: A Wide Majority of Americans Favor Better Data Transparency from In Charge Law Enforcement Institutions

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By: Arooj Ahmed

A recent survey shows that over 93 percent of Americans prefer data transparency from law enforcement institutions.

Data transparency plays a vital role for any state/nation. With data transparency, the public is sure that higher and in-charge authorities are working for them. A visual representation of data is also a public right. Track records of criminal activities, usage of forces, and proper dealing with the current crisis are the facts and figures the state’s citizens must be well aware of;

Regarding data transparency, almost 45 percent Americans feel that their local police are not transparent in terms of data. Also, a majority of people believe that their local police are not ready when it comes to cybersecurity challenges. According to them, their police department is not up to the mark when it comes to modernized technology and its applications to guard critical data.

With modernized technology, data breaches and identity thefts are the most common. Therefore, 83 percent of Americans believe there should not be any confidentiality when various companies are handing public data to police officers or higher authorities, as public data is an important asset for any country/nation.

With emerging technologies, cybersecurity challenges play a vital role in any country. As per the surveys and recent news, the public demands high and better data transparency so they might get saved from identity thefts and online scams. The bright side of emerging technology is that with advanced Artificial Intelligence and other data-harnessing methods, stable and secure connections are provided to the public with real-time data for police and higher authorities.

Besides this, out of 1020 surveyed US citizens, only 7 percent preferred total confidentiality of their data. Whereas 93 percent voted that there must be higher data transparency of any type of data and they must be well aware of activities around them.

Another misconception that arose from surveyed Americans was the immaturity of police. According to 44 percent of surveyed people, the police department lags in its duties and daily roles. According to them, instead of working on updated information and dealing with critical workflows, the majority of the police department is busy with social media, personal matters, and mobile phones during their duty hours.

Moreover, according to the surveyed people, their police department must be well-trained to defend against cybersecurity challenges. According to them, local police must be well-aware of modern technologies and their applications to guard crucial information.

Last but not least, for better data transparency, enforcement agencies must utilize cloud-native and emerging technologies that prioritize safety and ensure better security and availability of data for the public and in-charge enforcement officials.

To conclude, as per surveyed people, they must be provided with better data transparency and activities going around. Also, according to them, the major stakeholders of the country must be well-trained and accountable to face emerging challenges and protect crucial public data. As data confidentiality plays a vital role for any state/nation.

H/T: Mark43

Original Story: https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2022/10/a-wide-majority-of-americans-favor.html

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Mark43 and Nashville’s Metro 911 announce new partnership to roll-out dispatch technology that remains resilient even in dire emergencies

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Wednesday, October 26 – Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software company, today announced that it is partnering with the Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications to bring its industry leading cloud-native public safety Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) platform on board as Nashville’s Alternate CAD system, to serve as a backup to the community’s primary CAD. This gives Nashville a resilient and trusted platform that will give dispatchers and first responders the critical tools they need to keep the entire community safe during times of emergency. The tactical CAD can also be used to support the statewide Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) teams that operate across Tennessee. 

​The City of Nashville is continuing to stay at the forefront of public safety in its use of digital technology to serve its communities. When choosing a new tactical CAD, Mark43 was the city’s vendor of choice due to the resiliency of its cloud-native platform, allowing it to operate without interruption during natural disasters and other emergencies impacting the city and state. The innovative, reliable and best-in-class technology is vital so that first responders can keep working when their community needs them the most, in circumstances when the primary CAD systems have gone down. The primary CAD could be impacted by extreme weather or a critical incident like the Nashville Christmas bombing in 2020, and having the Mark43 Alternate CAD in place will ensure there aren’t interruptions to potentially lifesaving response. 

The Mark43 Alternate CAD system is user-friendly and cloud-native, which means it updates in real time and allows for users to remain constantly connected – regardless of weather or an impact on any physical location – and allows dispatchers and first responders to continue sharing and receiving mission-critical data throughout their mission. 

This new system operates as a natural extension of the dispatcher, call taker, and in-field first responder during an emergency response. The cloud-native features also allow Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications dispatchers and call takers the potential to work remotely. This is a critical feature that can help to alleviate staffing and retention shortages that have impacted Nashville. The CAD also provides vital functionality that pinpoints exact locations, provides enhanced mapping functionality and easily displays data for increased situational awareness when officers arrive at calls, enhancing both officer safety and their ability to meet the specific needs of their community. In addition, with dedicated customer support, Mark43 will provide 24/7, steadfast assistance that is second to none to address any customer needs and questions as they arise.

Stephen Martini, Nashville’s Emergency Communications Director said, “We’re glad to work with Mark43 on this exciting partnership. It is critical that our dispatchers have tools that they can rely on in a true emergency, supporting them in what is already a difficult job. The resiliency of the Mark43 CAD means that during an emergency or a natural disaster, our first responders can remain where they belong, answering calls and helping our community.” 

Matt Polega, Mark43 co-founder and Head of External Affairs said, “We are thrilled to launch our proven Computer-Aided Dispatch system for Nashville’s Metro 911. In emergency dispatch, every second counts. This technology will support police officers, firefighters, EMS and telecommunicators to ensure the Nashville Department of Emergency Communications has the tools necessary in real-time to respond to their communities quickly and effectively, regardless of the emergency.”

Earlier this summer, Mark43 announced that it has partnered with the Tennessee Highway Patrol bringing its CAD to troopers all across the state. This partnership with Nashville’s Metro 911 solidifies Mark43’s presence in Tennessee. Mark43 is dedicated to offering cutting-edge solutions for agencies across the U.S. and U.K. By using Mark43 technology, law enforcement agencies gain insights that enhance public safety – giving agencies the tools they need to keep officers and community members safe.

About Mark43

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native, public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. Mark43 partners with more than 120 local, state and federal public safety agencies, transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com.  

 

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VentureBeat: Report: 93% of Americans prefer greater data transparency from law enforcement

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By: VB Staff

A new survey report from Mark43 reveals the need for law enforcement data transparency and data security to go hand-in-hand. However, nearly half (45%) of Americans don’t believe their local police are transparent. And, a majority (60%) of the general population is not confident the police are set up for success when it comes to cybersecurity.

Digital transformation is taking place within the public safety sector on a global scale. The utilization of cloud-native technology offers secure and stable solutions that also provide 24/7 access to real-time data for officers, law enforcement executives and emergency dispatchers. 

Image source: Mark43.

A balance of data transparency and security

Data breaches within law enforcement undermine trust in both the agency and in our overarching government. Survey findings show 83% of Americans believe it’s very or somewhat important to know and trust the company handling police data. Therefore, utilizing a cloud-native platform allows law enforcement to prioritize safety and security while highlighting the advanced level of transparency achieved by comprehensive data collection and sharing.

Additionally, 93% of respondents favor law enforcement agencies sharing data with the public, with only 7% favoring total confidentiality.

This survey also highlighted an unfortunate misconception about law enforcement’s use of technology. Nearly half (44%) of Americans surveyed believe police are attending to personal matters, like texting, reading emails and scrolling through social media when on their mobile phones. Whereas mobile phones allow police to receive up-to-date information about crime and direction from commanders. Officers also access critical workflows like report writing so they can stay in the field keeping people safe.  

Findings indicate most Americans believe police need more cybersecurity capabilities for effective records and data safeguarding, indicating a need for modern technology to protect critical information collected and stored by law enforcement.

Overall, this national survey underscores Americans’ strong desire for law enforcement to share more data, such as information about crime, use of force and mental health crisis response with the public it serves.

Methodology

A national online survey of 1,020 U.S. consumers, ages 18-plus, was conducted by Propeller Insights between July 22 and July 27, 2022.

Read the full report by Mark43.

Original Story: https://venturebeat.com/security/report-93-of-americans-prefer-greater-data-transparency-from-law-enforcement/

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TechRepublic: Fighting cybersecurity risks for law enforcement: On-premises vs. cloud native systems

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By: Larry Zorio

What institutions are the most likely victims of data breaches? With cybercriminals on the prowl, the targets that come to mind these days are big, data-rich institutions like banks, retail chains and hospital networks. But what about your local police headquarters?

There are roughly 18,000 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the United States, and most are chock-full of sensitive personal data that criminals might want to sell or hold for ransom. In addition, most law enforcement agencies’ IT departments are not well funded and are sometimes inadequately defended. Unfortunately, they don’t have the cyber budgets of a large financial institution like Bank of America or a healthcare insurer like United Healthcare.

But law enforcement officials also suffer from a peculiar vulnerability: They labor under the illusion that because their buildings have thick walls and people walk the halls with guns, their data is safe. In fact, all it takes is one employee to visit the wrong website or click on a phishing email for cybercriminals to gain access to the most sensitive data. That data might include thousands of criminal records, Social Security numbers and other identifiers that are valuable on the black market.

One answer for law enforcement agencies is to switch from on-premises systems to those that are cloud-native. What does that mean?

What are on-prem and cloud-native systems?

On-prem, where physical servers are locally managed, usually involves having servers kept in locked rooms. It brings security challenges and financial cost. The law enforcement agency must protect, service and maintain its on-prem servers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

By contrast, cloud-native technologies are designed, constructed and operate totally in the cloud. This allows agencies to continue to stay up-to-date with the latest upgrades and compliance mandates with an update from the vendor. Technology is updated and deployed, eliminating the need to wait years for the latest upgrades. They take full advantage of the cloud computing model. Under this model, the agency no longer needs a staff to operate, update and secure those on-premises or self-managed servers.

Nonetheless, a well-resourced agency confident in its current staffing, processes and technology stack may prefer an on-prem solution. On-prem creates a very clear picture of where the accountability lies with those risks, as the agency is deciding to run this technology on their own network and assets.

Why use cloud-native systems?

Cloud-native systems have several other advantages over on-prem solutions.

Better security

The team overseeing an on-prem server at a local law enforcement agency must be concerned about a seemingly endless list of threats, weaknesses and vulnerabilities, ranging from floods to temperature variations and malware to denial of service attacks. These threats can all lead to downtime, which can’t happen with critical infrastructure. This poses quite a challenge to many agencies that have neither the funding nor the personnel to do all these things right.

In addition, agency IT systems are sometimes linked to other agencies in the same city, county or state. A law enforcement agency may feel its IT system is secure, only to be compromised when a hacker penetrates through another, connected agency.

Cost savings and convenience

At first glance, moving from an on-prem or self-managed system to a cloud-native system might seem like the more expensive choice, but the hidden costs of an on-prem or self-managed system are many. Functions such as configuring and maintaining servers or fixing vulnerabilities and other basic security hygiene get transferred to the cloud-native system. Staff dedicated to the care and feeding of the server can now be free to focus on more meaningful tasks.

With an on-prem system, a task like applying an update or security patch may require taking down the system for an hour — or much longer if something goes wrong. With a cloud-native system, all the work is done automatically in the background.

Risk and responsibility

One of the primary benefits for a law enforcement agency in moving to a cloud-native system is that so many responsibilities are passed on to a company that is dedicated to the IT mission. The cloud-native platform becomes an extension of the agency’s IT team, and the IT team transfers over substantial risk to the vendor.

Are cloud-native systems a perfect solution?

Some critics will say that cloud-native systems are not a perfect solution. For example, cloud service providers have been attacked. It’s all a question of risk management: Would you rather place your trust in a dedicated cloud-native platform or in a physical server locked in a closet at police headquarters?

Some law enforcement agencies find that the decision to switch to a cloud-native technology is not an easy one. Leaders of police departments may become concerned at the prospect of data migration, fearing that data could be lost or corrupted in the transition, while others may express trepidation about the impact on their existing workforce. Leaders of departments that have made previous investments in their legacy systems may wonder how they will now justify new spending after past tech investments.

While understandable, such concerns are generally unjustifiable. When done correctly, data migration is extremely safe. In most cases, technology workers can be reassigned to other tasks that directly support the agency’s mission. The move to a cloud-native system will save money on staffing and other costs for many years to come.

The most important question law enforcement agencies face about cybersecurity is similar to one consumers have faced for centuries: Would you sleep better at night with your money under your mattress or in a bank? Most people would choose the bank.

Larry Zorio is Chief Information Security Officer at Mark43, a cloud-native public safety technology company, who has twenty years of cybersecurity and risk management experience leading both public and private companies. Mark43 is headquartered in New York, and works with more than 120 local, state and federal public safety agencies.

Original Story: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/cybersecurity-risks-law-enforcement/

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