Every public safety, government, and private-sector organization knows they are vulnerable to cyberattacks—so much so that by 2021, cybersecurity spending could reach a cumulative $1 trillion(1). And yet, according to our recent survey of more than 100 land mobile radio (LMR) system managers around the world, there are inconsistencies in the actual measures being taken to safeguard their mission- and business-critical communication networks from cyber threats.
Our survey reveals that organizations are not doing nearly enough to reduce the risk of cyber attack even though they note that cybersecurity is one of the most important aspects needed for their LMR network performance. Cybersecurity is the least supported item of all the system management tasks being applied by those responsible for LMR systems. Also, only 11 percent of respondents say that establishing a cyber-incident plan is a priority for the coming year.
Three Moves to Secure Your LMR Communication Environment
Safeguarding your LMR network requires a comprehensive approach that addresses a wide array of vulnerabilities. Leading organizations begin with three moves:
Use proven cybersecurity frameworks and standards. Nearly a quarter of respondents—22 percent—are not taking any cybersecurity measures. Guidelines such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standard are essential for understanding, detecting, responding to and recovering from attacks. These resources provide practical insights for securing your system as well as ensuring the integrity of your data and associated technologies.
Establish a holistic risk-based security strategy. In our survey, security monitoring is the most common security measure with 53 percent of respondents saying they conduct some form of security monitoring. And yet, sitting back and observing is not enough. Staying ahead of potential threats requires consistently applying measures such as risk assessments, information assurance road maps, security patching, and active security monitoring.
Break free from a “set it and forget it” mind-set. Too many companies act as if cybersecurity is a once-and-done initiative—erroneously thinking that once a solution is in place, their system is protected. This kind of thinking leaves the door open for an attack.
Bridging the Disconnect Between Perception and Action
The trends uncovered by our survey reveal there are opportunities to reduce security vulnerabilities in LMR systems and associated technologies. If your organization lacks in-house cybersecurity expertise, Motorola Solutions can help. Our security experts are ready to work with you to enhance your organization’s ability to identify, manage, and respond to cyber threats.
To learn more about the latest LMR system cybersecurity trends, read our full report.
