Public safety alerts improve disaster response in an increasingly digital world. Organizations use it to disseminate critical information about threats. These could range from tornado warnings to AMBER alerts for child abductions. However, alert systems only work effectively when the senders maintain trust. Our security protocols keep these systems safe, so bad actors don't misuse them.
Comprehensive Public Safety Solutions
The federal government established the Warning, Alert, and Response Network in 2008 and went live in 2012. That same year, it also created the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system, which reaches all WEA-compatible devices.
While this is a federal system, all authorized government agencies can use it, even locally. Local application allows police departments or first responders to send information to people in a specific zone. Some organizations also employ private solutions, like those at HipLink.
We provide public safety solutions in the following fields:
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Law enforcement
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Search and rescue
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EMS
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Fire
Our alerts go to all devices using a commercial carrier's telecom system or via our mobile app. Technologies also include IPAWS dispatch, CAD integration, and other mobile apps.
First-Responder Capabilities
Digital transformation has allowed people to live further apart and more socially isolated lives. One downside to this is that emergency information can take a much longer time to spread manually. However, phones are rarely far from reach and provide the best opportunity to reach affected populations.
First responders can also use HipLink's system internally for the following purposes:
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Send fast responses for effective collaboration during emergencies.
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Page fire departments and volunteer forces when needed.
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Coordinate drills and CERT teams.
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Send encrypted messages.
The Role of Robust Security for Public Alert Systems
Did you know that eight in 10 Americans ignore phone calls from unknown numbers? The proliferation of telemarketing calls and scams is mostly to blame for this. Scamming is on the rise, from pretending to kidnap grandkids to promising lottery wins.
SMS is also under attack. Common scams include updates on mysterious packages people never ordered or deliberately texting wrong numbers to build trust. As more people learn about these scams, they become less effective.
However, most people trust emergency alert systems because they also trust the source. Organizations can only maintain this if they prevent scammers and hackers from taking over the system.
Proven Wireless Messaging Solution With Robust Security
In 2018, hackers disrupted operations at dozens of 911 centers, so the possibility is a genuine concern. Imagine the impact on public trust if hackers successfully added a ransomware link to a public SMS broadcast. Our goal is to prevent these and other events like it from happening.
HipLink built our wireless messaging solution by prioritizing security at every development step. We align our standards to those required by our clients' industries, such as healthcare, governance, and even cybersecurity.
We acknowledge that even the best security protocols aren't enough. So, we also monitor our technologies. This helps us spot unusual activity that might indicate a security breach. The sooner we respond, the better our chances of mitigating risk and protecting our clients.
The Importance of Reliable Alerts
The world has become increasingly unpredictable. From winter freezes in the south to hurricanes in the desert, disasters as we know them are changing. People can only prepare for the unexpected if they receive the necessary information to act quickly and effectively. Public safety alert systems provide this critical lifeline.
HipLink is proud to partner with critical services to protect local communities. Request a demo to see how we can help you improve emergency communication and response.