Critical Role of Emergency Broadcast Systems
Emergency Broadcast Systems (EBS) play a vital role in keeping communities informed and safe during emergencies. They transmit critical information such as weather warnings, evacuation orders, and Amber Alerts. Ensuring the uninterrupted operation of EBS infrastructure is paramount.
Challenge
KRYZ 98.5 FM, a local radio station in Mariposa, California, is an example of an EBS station facing a major challenge. A hardware failure at their transmitter site caused the station to go off the air, disrupting critical information delivery to the community.
Traditionally, resolving such an issue would require an on-site visit for diagnosis and repair, leading to extended downtime. This delay in service could have severe consequences, especially during emergencies
Solution
KRYZ implemented Atsign's NoPorts, a secure remote access solution, to overcome this challenge. NoPorts' benefits include:
- Secure Remote Access - A team member remotely accessed the transmitter site's systems and configured broadcasting software on a new PC, eliminating the need for physical presence.
- Enhanced Network Security - NoPorts' zero-trust architecture minimized the risk of cyberattacks during the recovery process.
Impact of NoPorts on KRYZ's Operations
By leveraging NoPorts, KRYZ achieved:
- Minimized Downtime - The station resumed broadcasting quickly using a virtual machine while the hardware issue was resolved.
- Improved Security - The zero-trust approach prevents unauthorized access to critical systems.
- Increased Operational Efficiency - Remote access enabled geographically dispersed teams to collaborate effectively.
Lessons Learned for Emergency Broadcasters
The KRYZ case study highlights the importance of modern technologies like NoPorts for EBS:
- Safeguard Continuity - Ensure uninterrupted service during emergencies through remote diagnostics and repair capabilities.
- Enhance Security - Protect EBS infrastructure from cyberattacks with zero-trust remote access solutions.
- Enable Remote Operations - Empower geographically dispersed teams to collaborate and resolve issues remotely, ensuring timely delivery of critical information.
By adopting secure remote access solutions like Atsign's NoPorts, Emergency Broadcast Systems can strengthen their resilience, improve security, and ensure continuous operation during critical times.
Disclosure
KRYZ is a community-run radio station in rural Mariposa, California, and relies on volunteers. Atsign’s co-founder and CTO, Colin Constable is a volunteer and introduced them to the NoPorts tool.
