The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has raised concerns about the challenges broadcasters face in creating effective cybersecurity risk management plans, particularly in relation to the Emergency Alert System (EAS). During meetings held with FCC staff in September, NAB representatives highlighted that small and mid-sized broadcasters, many of which lack in-house cybersecurity expertise, may struggle to develop the necessary cybersecurity strategies due to resource limitations. To address this issue, the NAB is urging the FCC to develop a standardized cybersecurity risk management plan template specifically designed for broadcasters, which would be centered around the protection of the EAS.
NAB’s Ex Parte filing emphasized that the generic guidance provided by the NIST Cybersecurity Framework would not be sufficient for broadcasters to comply with the FCC’s proposed regulations. NAB argued that a standardized template would provide broadcasters with a clearer path to cybersecurity compliance by outlining critical steps and ensuring the protection of the EAS. This approach would also prevent broadcasters from incurring additional costs associated with hiring external cybersecurity consultants, a necessary expense for stations that lack dedicated in-house cybersecurity personnel.
In addition to requesting the creation of a cybersecurity plan template, NAB raised concerns about the FCC’s proposals regarding the timely repair and reporting of faulty EAS equipment. NAB pointed out that the FCC does not play a direct role in repairing EAS equipment and that the repair timelines often fall outside the control of broadcasters. Consequently, they argued that the FCC’s proposals, which would require broadcasters to report EAS equipment failures and repair delays, might not effectively enhance the security of the system.
Given the reliance of the EAS on AM radio and its role in national security, the NAB stressed the importance of safeguarding the system from potential cyberattacks or interference. As part of its advocacy for broadcasters, NAB is working to ensure that the EAS remains secure and operational, especially in the context of ongoing discussions regarding the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act. Ensuring broadcasters are well-equipped to manage cybersecurity risks, the organization contends, is critical to the overall effectiveness of the EAS in emergency situations.
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