FirstNet plans to release cybersecurity information this fall, Kennedy says

FirstNet officials will provide information about the organization’s cybersecurity strategy this fall, beginning with its Industry Day during the week of Aug 31, FirstNet President TJ Kennedy said. When FirstNet released its draft request for proposal (RFP) documents in April, it did not include a section on cybersecurity but promised to provide information later in the year. Kennedy said that cybersecurity will be a topic of discussion during FirstNet’s Industry Day event.

With a number of high-profile data breaches in both the corporate and government arenas being reported in recent years, cybersecurity is a hot topic for all enterprises, but particularly those dealing with sensitive information. With FirstNet being tasked to build a broadband network to support first-responder access to critical health, building and criminal records, organization officials have acknowledged that they expect the system to be a prime target for the hacking community. Knowing this as the network is being designed should benefit FirstNet, Kennedy said.