CISA Embraces use of Mobile

Hayley Chang is an accomplished legal strategist with an extensive national security background. Currently, she serves as Deputy General Counsel at FBI and previously she oversaw the legal department for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

CISA is the nation's risk advisor and the quarterback for the federal cybersecurity team. CISA is also responsible for promoting effective and interoperable emergency communications nationwide. The Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended, directs CISA to develop and periodically update the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) in coordination with federal, state, local, territorial, tribal, and private-sector stakeholders.

In April 2021, CISA released an NECP Spotlight recommending the increased development and use of mobile applications to communicate public alerts and warnings systems. The purpose of these apps is to notify the public about current or imminent disasters and events. As more and more Americans rely upon mobile phones for every aspect of daily life, CISA has recognized the utility of mobile apps as an effective delivery system.

The latest NECP Spotlight explains how apps have been successfully applied to real-life scenarios across the U.S. It shares the NECP’s recommendations to advance the development and adoption of new technologies that boost communication infrastructure too. Already, Florida and California have begun using their warning apps and mobile alerts. These apps leverage a dynamic approach to alerting authorities to boost public awareness and ultimately save lives.