CISA Offers Cybersecurity Resources to Houses of Worship

The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization to provide resources to help houses of worship secure their cyber and physical infrastructure.

In addition, DHS said it is monitoring the events in Israel and Gaza and sharing resources and information for faith and community leaders regarding the situation in Israel.

A Closer Look at the Cybersecurity Resources Available to Houses of Worship

CISA is offering resources to help houses of worship make security-based decisions. These resources include:

Houses of Worship (HoW) Resource Page outlines a four-step process that a house of worship can use to improve security and safety of its congregants and facilities.

Paper-Based Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment and User Guide helps houses of worship analyze potential vulnerabilities and find ways to address them.

Protecting Places of Worship Fact Sheet describes six steps that faith-based organizations and community leaders can take to increase security.

Ultimately, there are many factors that a house of worship must consider relative to security decisions and planning security enhancements, CISA points out. With a clear understanding of these factors, a house of worship can identify cybersecurity problem areas and lower its risk of security incidents. It can also improve the preparedness, safety and security of its community.

Hackers Attack Israeli Organizations

CISA is encouraging houses of worship to prioritize cyber and physical infrastructure security in response to the Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7.

Several hacking groups have targeted Israeli organizations in the initial days of the war. These groups and many others may target houses of worship and other organizations.

CISA is "supporting efforts to maintain safe and secure houses of worship and related facilities while sustaining an open and welcoming environment," the agency said.

Meanwhile, MSSPs and other organizations can stay up to date regarding the Israel-Hamas war. This allows these organizations to learn about opportunities to help anyone affected by the conflict and find ways to provide support.