Cyberattack preparedness lacking among U.S. public safety agencies

U.S. public safety agencies continue to lag in having adequate defenses against cybersecurity threats, with only 15% of first responders reporting their agencies to be "very prepared" against cyberattacks, while 56% were only "somewhat prepared," according to CyberScoop. Confidence in combating cyberattacks was highest among law enforcement agencies, a Verizon Frontline Public Safety Communications Survey revealed. The survey also showed that new technologies are poised to be increasingly used by first respondents. Even though only 1% of respondents have reported currently using augmented reality and virtual reality, 20% believe that both technologies will gain traction within five years. Moreover, 40% and 64% of first responders believed that drones and internet-connected vehicles will have a greater role in their profession, respectively, even though only 8% and 41% have been currently using such technologies. Public safety will also be heavily reliant on 5G technology, according to 77% of respondents. Meanwhile, most respondents have cited unreliable networks, outdated tools, and lacking interoperability as their foremost technology concerns.