The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites comments on Draft NISTIR 8196, Security Analysis of First Responder Mobile and Wearable Devices, a document that reviews the current and potential use cases of mobile and wearable devices by first responders and analyzes them from a cybersecurity perspective. The analysis aims to assist jurisdictions with selecting secure devices by identifying security objectives, and to enable industry to design and produce more secure public-safety devices.

With the launch of public-safety broadband networks (PSBNs), mobile and wearable devices will become ideal options for firefighters, law enforcement, and EMS personnel. These devices will provide many benefits to first responders, such as quality communications on a dedicated network and the ability to send vital information necessary to achieving success during an emergency incident.

The public comment period for closes on January 7, 2019.