Following publication in the Federal Register, the rules requiring targeted cybersecurity improvements to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) are effective September 29, 2026. The FCC’s Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) imposes enhanced cybersecurity requirements for EAS, requiring EAS Participants to use strong passwords, promptly install security updates, and use a network firewall.
The FNPRM seeks comment on proposals intended to make both EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) more resilient, including proposals to: (1) require the authentication of all alerts before they are transmitted; (2) establish a universal alert identification number to improve the detection and blocking of duplicate alerts; (3) eliminate outdated WEA geotargeting exceptions; and (4) require EAS and WEA to display symbols identifying the type of emergency. Comments on the FNPRM are due August 31 and reply comments are due September 29.
