Tag: resources

CISA Releases a Website and Tools Dedicated to Faith-Based Organizations

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, Infrastructure Security Division has published a new website dedicated to the security of Faith-Based Organizations. The website hosts tools and resources of great value for FBOs and the broader community of faith.

CISA has aptly named the website “Faith Based Organization-Houses of Worship (FBO-HOW)” – the website can be accessed at www.cisa.gov/faith-based-organizations-houses-worship. The self-assessment tool that CISA is making available on the site can be accessed here: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/houses-worship-security-self-assessment. The tables in the document are designed to show a range of security and protection, from the lowest level of security that offers minimal protection (red) to a very high level of security that provides a greatly enhanced level of protection (green).

The threat of hostile events has been and will remain an enduring threat for FBOs. As we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic and reopening, hostile events have re-emerged, to include attacks of arson, vehicle ramming, shootings and more at and around FBOs. Adding to the hostile physical security environment and health challenges, the complexities of cybersecurity and seasonal natural hazards make this an even more challenging time for FBOs as our community strives to provide a safe and secure environment for people to come to and practice their faith and as they seek engage with the community. The release of these resources is timely and welcome.

Assistant Director Harrell has been a great partner to FB-ISAO and the community that we serve by way of our mission, which is to provide members with information, analysis, and capabilities to help reduce risk while enhancing preparedness, security, and resilience.

Thank you again for your continued partnership and dedication to maintaining your houses of worship safe and secure. Please always remember that you have a committed partner in CISA; together, we can enhance our collective capabilities and develop innovative solutions to mitigate the dynamic threat environment.
Assistant Director Harrell

Please see the letter below where Assistant Director Harrell re-iterates his commitment from April 2020 to the community of faith by writing “The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is committed to supporting efforts to maintain safe and secure houses of worship and related facilities while sustaining an open and welcoming environment”. He also writes “Thank you again for your continued partnership and dedication to maintaining your houses of worship safe and secure. Please always remember that you have a committed partner in CISA; together, we can enhance our collective capabilities and develop innovative solutions to mitigate the dynamic threat environment.”

July 30, 2020
FB-ISAO Newsletter, v2, Issue 7

TLP:WHITE| FB-ISAO Newsletter was distributed on July 09, and may be accessed below.

FB-newsletter-July-2020 Download

July 8, 2020
“If You See Something, Say Something®”

Resources for Faith-Based Organizations

“If You See Something, Say Something™” is a national campaign that was developed and trademarked by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYTA). The goal of the campaign is to minimize terrorist threats and increase public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime. To learn more about the national campaign, visit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “If You See Something, Say Something®” website here.

Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) continue to be the targets of hostile events from extremists of all kinds. FBOs are responsible for combining the openness of their facilities and safeguarding their congregants. As such, FBOs are excellent candidates for active participation in any campaign that serves to minimize risk – this includes the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign.

Florida’s campaign began in 2011 and was relaunched in December of 2015. To address the need for education, Florida revealed the “If You See Something, Say Something™” toolkit at a press conference in October 2016. Th toolkit offers safety information for FBOs, businesses and citizens to help in the fight against terrorism. The toolkit also contains a one-page list of potential suspicious activity indicators downloadable posters that could be used in a breakroom or on a bulletin, and other valuable materials that may be useful for threat assessments, for training purposes, or for awareness. These materials can be found on the FlSeeSay.org website. Religious facilities may download a list of potential suspicious activity indicators developed by DHS and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) here.

Indicators of suspicious activity may include things like unattended packages and bags, a suspicious person wearing bulky clothing that could conceal weapons, or damage to security devices like cameras, perimeter fencing or lighting. In the event that you suspect something, make note of suspicious statements, people, or vehicles, and notify law enforcement. After reporting suspected incidents to local law enforcement, Faith-Based Information Sharing & Analysis Organization (FB-ISAO) members are encouraged to use the Incident Reporting capability on FB-ISAO Slack to share information. FB-ISAO analysts use reported information to analyze trends and to communicate back with their members on potential threats as well as to provide resources for possible mitigation of those threats.

This year, the campaign launched the first-ever DHS partnered and NYTA-approved Florida See Say app. This app allows users to access educational materials like PSA’s, posters, and suspicious indicators for businesses, schools, and more. These materials are also available online at FLSeeSay.org. Additionally, users can report suspicious activity, like an abandoned vehicle or a suspicious person, through the app to their local law enforcement. Citizens can still report suspicious activity by calling 855-FLASAFE or by submitting a tip online.

In February 2020, FB-ISAO worked with FDLE’s Central Florida Intelligence Exchange (CFIX) to host its first workshop in Orlando, Florida. For those in the Central Florida region looking to network with likeminded individuals who prioritize their organization’s physical and cyber security and risk management, FB-ISAO has created an Information Sharing Community for Central Florida. This community helps members collaborate and share information with one another in addition to attending workshops and participating in working groups.

If you are interested in more information about the Florida “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign, feel free to contact the campaign at [email protected]. If you haven’t joined an FB-ISAO Information Sharing Community yet, write to [email protected].

FB-ISAO is committed to working with our state and local partners, such as the FDLE, to improve the resilience of all Faith-Based Organizations.

July 8, 2020