A newly released Public Safety Threat Report from the Public Safety Threat Alliance (PSTA) highlights a concerning trend – Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) disruptions from cyberattacks doubled in 2024, with 3 such crippling attacks already in 2025 This rise in cyber attacks poses a significant risk to public safety, forcing dispatchers to revert to outdated pen and paper methods, slowing down emergency response and increasing the potential for errors.
CAD systems are a prime target for cybercriminals
The report’s findings paint a clear picture – CAD systems are a prime target for cybercriminals.
Cyber attacks targeting CAD systems saw a dramatic 100% increase between 2023 and 2024. These attacks impacted dedicated dispatch centers as well as upstream compromises on municipal and police networks.
The average downtime for dispatch services following a successful cyberattack was 15 days, but some extended to as long as six weeks.
A rise in attacks on CAD systems
Extortion syndicates frequently employed credential abuse, vulnerability exploitation, and phishing to gain access to CAD systems. While some attacks may directly target CAD systems, many appear to be opportunistic, occurring during broader compromises of public safety IT environments. A significant 83% of attacks that impacted CAD systems began on municipal and law enforcement networks. The increasing interconnectedness and interoperability of mission-critical systems, while improving usability, have also broadened the potential attack surface for cybercriminals.
There was also a shift away from “big game hunting” towards smaller, potentially less defended agencies.
Based on the findings of the report the growth in cyber attacks will likely continue into 2025, with a 52% spike in overall public safety attacks observed in February 2025 compared to January.
Defending your dispatch center: a 2025 checklist
The report emphasizes the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity best practices to reduce the risk and impact of potential compromises. Drawing on recommendations from the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the report provides a checklist for dispatch defenders.
The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks on CAD systems demand a proactive and vigilant approach to cybersecurity. By understanding the threats and implementing these recommended best practices, public safety organizations can significantly reduce their risk and ensure the continued delivery of critical emergency services.
The time to act is now – the safety of our communities depends on it. Join the PSTA today to read the full ‘’Cyber Threats to Computer-Aided Dispatch” report and get the recommendation checklist in full.
About the PSTA
The PSTA, established by Motorola Solutions and recognized by CISA, shares vital cybersecurity information and analysis with public safety organizations. The PSTA publishes research, produces regular threat reports and hosts webinars with cybersecurity experts. The PSTA offers threat intelligence products and services for its members at no cost.
Join us for the next PSTA quarterly webinar: “Cyber Threats to Public Safety Emergency Communications: An FBI Perspective.” On April 24th at 1 pm EST (12 pm CST), the FBI will share crucial insights into the evolving threat landscape and the importance of a robust cybersecurity defense for your agency. Register today to secure your spot!
