Defense in Depth For Private Wireless Communications Networks: A Case Study

Private wireless communications networks utilized by emergency services agencies are vital components of the nation's critical infrastructure. Reliable communications are essential for our nation's 'first responders' and successful attacks on these networks could interrupt mission critical operations compromise restricted information and contribute indirectly to loss of lives. While the threats of physical attack on infrastructure and interception of wireless communications are long established in the emergency services environment the threat of electronic attack upon the system infrastructure is a newly emerging and challenging issue. This paper will describe the steps taken by a manufacturer and integrator of private wireless communications systems to enhance the security of its radio network solution. A defense in depth approach improves the value of this vendor's offering and better enables emergency services agencies to defend their communications networks from the threats posed by electronic attacks. This paper examines the threats and vulnerabilities of private wireless communications infrastructures discusses the selection and prioritization of security countermeasures and describes the security enforcing equipment and security management services that are now being introduced.