What's Happening?
Spokane County, Washington, has been recovering from a cyberattack that compromised its emergency alert system in November. The attack targeted the company providing the ALERT Spokane program, which is part
of the Crisis24's OnSolve CodeRED platform. This breach affected local governments and first responders nationwide, leaving Spokane County without a local option for emergency notifications. Since the attack, the county has relied on state and federal systems to send alerts, requiring emergency management staff to contact the Washington State Alert and Warning Center to dispatch alerts on behalf of the county. Despite the breach, Spokane County users were reportedly not directly affected by the data breach, according to Chandra Fox, deputy director of Spokane County Emergency Management. The county is now seeking a new provider for its emergency alert system, aiming to present a new contract for approval by the end of February.
Why It's Important?
The cyberattack on Spokane County's emergency alert system highlights vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure that can impact public safety. The reliance on state and federal systems for emergency notifications underscores the importance of having robust and secure local systems in place. The incident also reflects broader cybersecurity challenges faced by local governments across the U.S., as similar issues were reported in other counties using the CodeRED system. The decision to seek a new provider indicates a move towards enhancing the security and functionality of emergency alert systems, which is crucial for timely and effective public safety communications. This situation serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for continuous improvements in cybersecurity measures.
What's Next?
Spokane County is actively searching for a new provider to replace the compromised CodeRED system. The county aims to finalize a new contract by the end of February, which will be presented to the Spokane County Commission for approval. The new system is expected to offer advanced features, such as improved mapping functions, to better integrate with the county's upgraded emergency communications equipment. This transition is part of a broader effort to enhance the county's emergency notification capabilities and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. The outcome of this search and the implementation of a new system will be closely watched by other jurisdictions facing similar cybersecurity challenges.
