Public safety agencies across Canada face a growing number of cyber hazards that can impact their daily operations. In December 2021, for example, nearly 4,000 Quebec government websites were temporarily shut down as a preventative measure following cyberattack threats, while police in Sault Ste. Marie dealt with the still-lingering impacts of an August 2021 ransomware incursion. Meanwhile, recent years have seen other Canadian jurisdictions hit with ransomware and malware attacks that paralyzed operations until ransom requests were met.
No doubt, cyber security is a growing risk for public safety agencies. And in response, Public Safety Canada created the Canada National Cyber Security Strategy to address concerns of increasingly sophisticated threats to government, trade, and commerce.
In the 2018 document, Public Safety Canada states, “The Government of Canada will maintain and improve cyber security across all federal departments and agencies to protect the privacy of Canadians’ information held by the federal government and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical services for Canadians. The Government of Canada will enhance law enforcement’s capacity to respond to cybercrime. It will support coordination across law enforcement agencies and with federal, provincial, territorial, and international partners.”
This is a good step, but what about when local or regional public safety agencies themselves are targeted? Critical systems may be inaccessible, leaving residents at risk. And despite the rising threat, many agencies still rely on outdated IT solutions that make them more susceptible.
Time for an upgrade
Many agencies cite a need for updated technology, but digital transformation can be tough. This is particularly true as leaders navigate difficult acquisition processes, challenging political climates, and resistance to change from within their own organizations. The larger the organization, the more difficult it can be to onboard new public safety technology.
But here’s the reality: Many systems that are approaching their end of life are no longer updated or supported, do not offer protections from cyber threats, and simply don’t offer the technological advances found in newer systems.
For example, HxGN OnCall Dispatch | Smart Advisor leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to augment dispatcher awareness and identify connections within emerging events. HxGN OnCall Analytics analyzes all dispatch data to support policing strategies, creates easy-to-share dashboards and reports, and supports community requests for transparency. Moreover, HxGN Connect provides real-time collaboration tools between departments, municipalities, or regions. All are designed with built-in safeguards from cyber attacks to minimize an agency’s risk.
Change is hard but sometimes necessary to ensure consistency and availability in every future situation.
Learn more about the HxGN OnCall public safety portfolio.
