A Five-Pronged Strategy for Resilience

To meet this challenge, we need to lead with intention and act collectively. Whether you run a small business, a school district, a hospital, or a municipality, there are steps you can take now.

1. Develop Public-Private Partnerships

Resilience is a team effort. Engage with your local emergency management agency or fusion center to establish coordination before a crisis hits. FEMA’s Public-Private Partnership Guide offers a strong foundation to build from.

Action Step: Reach out to your local emergency manager to explore collaborative preparedness planning.

2. Update and Test Emergency Plans

Every organization should have a plan that addresses cyber disruptions. Do your staff know what to do during a ransomware attack? Are you backing up your critical data? Do you have a continuity plan if your systems go offline?

Action Step: Run a cyber scenario tabletop exercise with your leadership team.

3. Support Unified Cyber Standards

Cyberattacks are global. The more fragmented our regulations, the more room we give threat actors to operate. Support efforts that encourage international cooperation and industry alignment.

Action Step: Advocate through your local chamber or industry associations for stronger cybersecurity policies.

4. Commit to Information Sharing

Speed matters in a crisis. Businesses and agencies that communicate openly about threats and responses can prevent larger-scale impacts.

Action Step: Join your sector’s Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) or regional cyber task force.

5. Invest in Innovation and Training

Leverage newer technologies like AI, blockchain, and advanced detection systems—but also ensure your people are trained and confident in using them.

Action Step: Budget for both tech upgrades and staff training in your next fiscal year.