How does NIMS address cybersecurity in the context of emergency management?

NIMS addresses cybersecurity by promoting risk assessments and implementing security measures specifically aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data. This proactive approach is essential to ensure that all components of emergency management—planning, operations, and recovery—are resilient against cyber threats. By conducting thorough risk assessments, organizations can identify vulnerabilities within their systems and take necessary steps to mitigate potential impacts of cyber incidents on emergency management processes. This focus on cybersecurity enhances the overall readiness and responsiveness of emergency management frameworks.

While minimizing technology use during emergencies may seem like a way to address risks, it does not provide a comprehensive strategy for managing cybersecurity threats. Relying solely on public reports of cyber threats would not be sufficient since it could lead to unpreparedness and lack of timely information necessary for effective decision-making. Similarly, concentrating only on recovery after incidents occur ignores the critical need for prevention and mitigation strategies prior to a cyber incident.