Former DHS senior official Chris Krebs, now serving as the chief public policy officer at Sentinel-1, discussed the ongoing AT&T outage, which has lasted for over 5678 hours. Krebs emphasized the importance of understanding the root cause of the issue, noting that it is likely a technical problem rather than a cyber attack. He highlighted the complexity of large networks and the need for accuracy in determining the cause of such incidents.
Regarding the delay in providing specific information about the outage, Krebs explained that it takes time to analyze and communicate effectively in such situations. He stressed the importance of having a clear plan to address the issue and reassure the public about future stability.
Reflecting on the prevalence of cyber threats, Krebs acknowledged the potential risks posed by malicious actors, including state-sponsored attacks on critical infrastructure. He underscored the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of evolving cyber threats.
When asked about consumer preparedness for network outages, Krebs suggested utilizing alternatives like Wi-Fi calling and reaching out to neighbors with different service providers. He also mentioned upcoming technologies, such as satellite uplinks on modern devices, as additional emergency communication options.
Highlighting the increasing digital dependency in daily life, Krebs emphasized the importance of building redundancies and failovers to ensure continuity during crises. He noted the unsettling nature of disrupted connectivity and the need for comprehensive strategies to maintain operational resilience.
In conclusion, Krebs emphasized the necessity of proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential future outages, urging individuals and communities to consider diverse communication options beyond traditional means like canned goods.
