Trade association proposes more outreach and education versus new mandates
Cybersecurity risk management of EAS is on the mind of the FCC, but the potential for new requirements on broadcasters has the radio industry and others casting a wary eye.
The FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on EAS cybersecurity would require broadcasters to patch vulnerabilities in EAS gear, eliminate outdated software and install proper firewalls in EAS encoder/decoder devices to protect against cyber threats.
The plan to limit IP-based threats to the EAS system comes with additional obligations for broadcasters, including steps to report incidents of unauthorized access to EAS equipment within 72 hours and annually certifying they have a cybersecurity risk management plan.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) says the cybersecurity measures in the ongoing proceeding are well-intentioned but create compliance issues for broadcasters.
In a meeting with representatives of the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau earlier this month, the NAB and other EAS stakeholders pointed to scant evidence of previous cybersecurity incidents or EAS…
