Cybersecurity is a critical issue for public safety agencies of all sizes. According to research conducted by the Public Safety Threat Alliance (PSTA) attacks on dispatch centers cause, on average, 15 days of downtime. Downtime is not an option for mission-critical systems, and with the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber threats, it is more important than ever for agencies to have a robust cybersecurity program in place. However, obtaining the necessary funding for cybersecurity projects can be a challenge.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the first step to getting a budget for cybersecurity projects — building a strong business case. We’ll also explore four key areas it should cover, including information on the threats facing public safety agencies, the impact and costs of a possible cyber attack and the benefits of investing in cybersecurity defenses.
Four steps to building a stronger business case
When building your business case for cybersecurity, it is crucial to provide comprehensive information detailing the urgency and importance of addressing cybersecurity risks. Here are four key points to include, with actionable recommendations for each:
1: Current cybersecurity threats facing public safety agencies
- Describe the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, highlighting the specific vulnerabilities and risks faced by public safety agencies.
- Provide examples of recent cyber attacks targeting public safety agencies, such as ransomware attacks on police departments or data breaches compromising sensitive information.
- Emphasize the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the increasing frequency of attacks, indicating that no agency is immune to the threat.
Pro Tip: To get recent stats and facts on the impact of cyber threats to public safety, consider joining the Public Safety Threat Alliance (PSTA). A no-cost membership to the PSTA provides access to a wide range of reports, webinars and other resources that detail how prevalent these attacks are, as well as valuable insights into the threat actors behind them.
2: The potential impact of a cyberattack on your agency
- Explain the potential consequences of a cyberattack on your agency’s operations, including disruption of critical systems, loss of data, and impairment of emergency response capabilities.
- Describe the potential impact on public trust and confidence if sensitive information, such as personal data or criminal records, is compromised.
- Highlight the legal and regulatory implications of a cyberattack, including potential fines, lawsuits and compliance violations.
Pro Tip: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and prioritize the most critical cybersecurity risks faced by the agency. This assessment should include an analysis of potential threats, vulnerabilities and consequences, as well as an evaluation of the agency’s current cybersecurity capabilities.
3: The costs of a cyberattack— direct and indirect
- Estimate the direct financial costs associated with a cyberattack, such as ransom payments, data recovery expenses and IT infrastructure repairs.
- Calculate the indirect costs, including loss of productivity, reputational damage and the diversion of resources from core public safety functions.
- Emphasize that the true cost of a cyberattack can extend beyond the immediate expenses, impacting an agency’s long-term effectiveness and ability to serve the community. The cost for a cybersecurity plan is usually a lot less than the cost of a successful cyber attack.
Pro Tip: Gather information about the costs of cyber attacks by reviewing incident reports, published research reports from federal agencies and cybersecurity vendors. You can also find useful statistics in reports from industry organizations like the PSTA. This data can help agencies better understand the potential financial and operational impacts of cyber attacks and make informed decisions about cybersecurity investments. And don’t forget to look into potential cybersecurity grants your agency may qualify for.
4: Benefits of investing in cybersecurity
- Describe the tangible benefits of investing in cybersecurity, such as reduced risk of attack, enhanced detection and response capabilities and improved protection of sensitive data.
- Explain how cybersecurity investments can help maintain public trust and confidence by demonstrating an agency’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ information.
- Highlight the potential for cost savings in the long run by preventing or mitigating the impact of cyber attacks.
Pro Tip: Collaborate with other public safety agencies, government entities and vendor partners to get additional insights and experiences for building a strong business case. These partnerships can provide valuable insights, resources and advocacy efforts.
Summary
Getting funding for cybersecurity projects can be a significant challenge for public safety agencies of all sizes. However, given the critical role cybersecurity plays in safeguarding sensitive information and mission-critical systems, it is essential for agencies to secure adequate funding to implement effective cybersecurity measures.
By providing this detailed information, you can create a compelling business case that justifies the need for increased cybersecurity investments within your public safety agency. A well-articulated business case can help decision-makers understand the urgency of the threat, the potential consequences of inaction and the tangible benefits of investing in cybersecurity.
Learn more about how Motorola Solutions helps public safety and enterprise organizations defend against cyber threats.
