In recent years, we’ve all become more dependent on technology in almost every part of our lives. From using our smartphones to keeping the water and electricity running smoothly, computers and networks are everywhere. But what happens when these systems come under attack from hackers? This is a real concern for critical services like power plants, water treatment facilities, and emergency services, which if disrupted, can affect our safety and day-to-day living.
When systems get hit by cyber-attacks, these vital services could be stopped in their tracks. That’s why it’s important for these services to be able to keep going, even when their computer systems are down. Think of it like having an extra set of keys to your house in case you lose the first set.
Recognizing the importance of this, some lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives came up with a new idea. They introduced a bipartisan effort asking two big government agencies – the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – to look into how well critical infrastructure sectors can switch to “manual mode” during a cyber-attack. Manual mode means operating without relying on computer systems – doing things the old-fashioned way, by hand or with less technology.
This idea is to make sure that if a cyber-attack happens, important services can still be provided to people even while the digital systems are being fixed. The lawmakers are interested in knowing how these services plan for such cases, how they actually make the switch to manual, and how they get things back to normal once the attack is over.
By studying these practices, CISA and FEMA can help ensure that services essential for public safety and well-being are not disrupted. And that’s pretty important. Nobody wants to be without clean drinking reaction or medical help just because some cyber-criminals decide to cause trouble.
Creating policies and strategies around this is not just about government agencies. Private companies and organizations also have a big role to play. They need to understand not only how to protect their systems from cyber-attacks but also what to do if an attack is successful.
That’s where Diversified Outlook Group comes in. Diversified Outlook Group can provide expert advice and services to help organizations prepare for these kinds of scenarios. They can help you create plans and conduct training to make sure your staff knows what to do if computer systems go down. Thinking ahead and being ready for manual operations can make all the difference in an emergency.
Interested in learning more about how to protect critical services and stay up and running during a cyber-attack? Reach out to support@diversifiedoutlookgroup.com to find out how they can help your organization stay resilient.
For more information on the legislation, visit: cyberscoop.com/critical-infrastructure-sectors-resilience-manual-house-bill/
