“As devices and technologies are becoming more interconnected and can gather more data, federal agencies are looking to harness the power of ‘internet of things’ to gather data and increase communications for enhancing their mission work...” “Not only are agencies using IOT to improve data collection, but also they're leveraging connected devices to disseminate that respective data and other critical information. This is the case for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said the agency’s Cloud Portfolio Manager James Rodd. In particular, FEMA has and will continue to use IOT to disseminate information in response to disasters...” “FEMA is focused on maintaining the telecommunications infrastructure required to disseminate information reliably. To do this, Rodd said that the agency has relied on its First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet, to create a reliable mobile communications network...” “Rodd added that security is also paramount to FEMA, especially during emergency response. He said that maintaining baseline updates is one of the most critical steps to ensuring that connected devices remain secure. ‘[Make] sure that your mobile devices are updated to the latest firmware, that you’re aware of any security weaknesses that were discovered either by white hackers or the individual companies — or even black hat [hackers] — and they’ve now done something to address the issue,’ Rodd said. ‘Basic systemic and network maintenance is a critical tool beyond the fancy software and firewalls and VPNs all the other kinds we utilize as well.’...” Read the full article here. Source: Here are Federal Agencies' Steps to IOT Adoption – By Melissa Harris, May 9, 2022. GovCIO.