US Senators Worried About FirstNet Mobile Network Security For Law Enforcement And Military Officers

US Senator Ron Wyden is worried about the FirstNet digital network. (photo: twitter @RonWyden)

US Senator Ron Wyden said in a letter released on Wednesday April 12 that the American cybersecurity watchdog had no confidence that the mobile network used by emergency officers and the American military was safe against digital intrusion.

The letter from members of the Oregon Democratic Party was addressed to the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and relates to FirstNet, a mobile network dedicated to public safety officials such as emergency workers, firefighters, and law enforcement.

Wyden's staff were informed by an UNidentified CISA expert last year that "they have no confidence in FirstNet's security, especially as they haven't seen the results of cybersecurity audits conducted on networks of only this government," the letter said. The letter proposes that the authorities share its internal audits with CISA, NSA, and Congress.

FirstNet said in a statement that it "prioritizes cybersecurity in planning a broadband network of public safety, and cybersecurity remains a top priority for us today."

The organization built by AT&T Inc also said its defense strategy was "far beyond the safety measures of standard commercial networks."

CISA declined to comment, saying they would respond to Wyden in person. The NSA did not provide a response to a request for comment.

Senator Wyden said the lack of clarity surrounding security measures at FirstNet - which was built after the September 11, 2001 attacks to provide a strong line of communication for the first officers - was deeply concerning.

Wyden said this security weakness was also a national security issue, especially if foreign governments could use it to target US government personnel.

Dikutip oleh Reuters, Gary Miller, seorang ahli keamanan jaringan cellular di Citizen Lab yang berbasis di Universitas Toronto, mengatakan kekhawiden berdasarkan, dan dirinya juga khawatir dengan ketidakjelasan audit yang " sangat mengkhawatirkan."

The Federal Communications Commission, White House, and the Budget and Management Office - all copied in the letter - did not immediately provide a response to requests for comment.