FCC Enters Cybersecurity Arena
Julius Genachowski
The FCC has positioned itself to move into the cyber arena, through a cybersecurity certification program and investigation into survivability of the nation’s broadband structure.
Yesterday, the FCC released a Notice of Inquiry into possibly creating a cybersecurity certification program for the U.S. Additionally, the FCC also announced an inquiry into the “ability of existing broadband networks to withstand significant damage or severe overloads as a
result of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, pandemics or other major public emergencies.”
According to the FCC, the Cybersecurity Certification Program “Notice of Inquiry represents an initial and necessary step to implementing this
recommendation and enhancing the cyber security of our Nation’s communications systems.”
The survivability study is being launched because “Americans increasingly rely on broadband services for so many aspects of their lives, including public safety and national security, it is critical for the FCC to gain a better understanding of the survivability of existing networks and explore potential measures to reduce network vulnerability to failures in network equipment or severe overload conditions in emergencies.”
The survivability inquiry ” seeks comment, analysis and information on the present state of the resiliency and redundancy of broadband networks to withstand physical damage and severe network overload. This is a vitally important first step in ensuring that the FCC can take all necessary actions to ensure ongoing broadband communications in times of disaster or crisis.”
By creating a cybersecurity certification program, the FCC hopes to ensure the security of businesses and citizens.
“To ensure that consumers and businesses are fully protected from attacks that affect or occur over the communications infrastructure, the National Broadband Plan recommended that the Commission initiate a proceeding to establish a cyber security certification program and other incentive programs. The goal is to create incentives for broadband communications service providers to upgrade their cyber security
measures,” according to a written statement from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.
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