Radio and TV broadcasters in the U.S. and abroad have been victims of cyberattacks. The unique nature and role of broadcasting attracts more attention than other kinds of businesses. In one prominent and cautionary tale, France’s TV5Monde had all 12 of its channels taken off-the-air by a cyberattack that infected the computers running various systems. U.S. broadcasters have endured cyberattacks as well, although to date, less severe. Broadcasters occupy prominent roles in their communities and rely on news and information gathering and delivery technologies that may be at risk from cyber attacks. To help broadcasters get more educated about these risks and how to mitigate them, the NAB developed its Broadcast Cybersecurity Certificate Program.
NAB’s program uses an online learning platform that comprises a four-course sequence targeting technology and engineering staff with information specific to the broadcast industry. BIA assisted DCT Associates and NAB in developing the program. It’s a premium program available at a discount to NAB members and also available to NAB non-members. The learning objectives in this program are tailored to the needs of our industry with modules aligned with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, version 1.1, released in May 2018.
DCT’s Brumfield recently emphasized to TV Technology that critical risk mitigation practices include maintaining an updated inventory of the entire chain that could be susceptible to cyber attacks. Brumfield advised, “You need to know what you what you have; you need to know how you’re protecting it; you need to keep all of the stuff updated; and you need to make sure there’s communication in-house when incidents occur. You need to establish practices before an incident occurs on how you’re going to manage it.”
The four courses in the program are:
- Broadcast Cybersecurity Risk Planning and Management
- User and Network Infrastructure Planning and Management for Broadcasters
- Tools and Techniques for Detecting a Cyberattack
- Developing a Continuity of Operations Plan
Cybersecurity is a moving target that requires vigilance, training and keeping systems and inventory management up to date. For more information about programs specific to broadcasters, we recommend checking out the NAB’s Cybersecurity Resources portal.
