Month: February 2017

NIST Releases Cybersecurity Framework Update

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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated the original NIST Cybersecurity Framework, first released in 2014. The draft update was released on January 10 and contains many of the anticipated revisions as well as:

  • Significant updates to the cyber supply chain risk management
  • Defined cybersecurity terminology
  • Identity Management and Access Control updates (including “identity proofing”)
  • A new section on cybersecurity measurement

Comments on the proposed updates are due by April 10, 2017.

 

Illinois FirstNet Reaches Out to Public Safety on T-Band Giveback

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Illinois FirstNet will host three informational sessions in late February and early March to explain the requirement for public safety to give back T-Band spectrum (470-512 MHz) in the 2021-2023 timeframe.  The Federal Act that formed FirstNet requires public Safety to give back the T-Band spectrum currently used for LMR operations.  For more information and times and locations of the sessions visit T-Band Giveback

Under Trump, DHS to Retain Central Cybersecurity Role

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January 31, 2017–As President Donald J. Trump prepared to issue an executive order (EO) on cybersecurity, it appeared his approach might differ slightly from how the Obama administration addressed the issue. In many ways, however, the order, which President Trump is expected to sign this week, will rely heavily on the work that was done during the Obama years, administration officials said today. The foundational documents that seem likely to influence the EO, for example, include the voluntary cybersecurity framework for critical infrastructure that was issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology under President Obama and the report of the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity.

The NIST framework has been widely praised for offering a flexible blueprint for improving the cybersecurity of entities large and small and for its reliance on input from the private sector.  The Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity, which issued its report in the waning days of the Obama administration, was designed in part to give the new administration some guidance (TRDaily, Dec. 2, 2016). Continue reading →

Pai Announces Plans for Advisory Committee on Broadband Deployment

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January 31, 2017– FCC Chairman Ajit Pai today announced that he is establishing a Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC) to develop recommendations for actions the FCC can take to encourage broadband deployment across the U.S.   The BDAC’s first task will be to develop a model code for broadband deployment covering local franchising, zoning, permitting, and rights-of-way issues, Chairman Pai said during remarks at today’s FCC meeting, his first as Chairman.vHe said that FCC staffers Brian Hurley and Paul D’Ari would be the BDAC’s designated federal officer and deputy designated federal officer, respectively — positions that entail liaison and support work, as well as helping committee members understand the scope of the work referred to them by the FCC under the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Nominations for members of the BDAC should be submitted to the FCC by Feb. 15, the agency said in a public notice today.  In general, it asked for applications from representatives of “communications industry, representatives of state and local regulators, and representatives of consumers and community organizations that wish to be considered for membership on the BDAC.” Continue reading →