DHS Combats Potential Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to prepare against ever evolving threats against the American homeland, most recently highlighting efforts to combat an Electromagnetic Pulse attack which could disrupt the electrical grid and potentially damage electronics. Today, the department is releasing the Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Program Status Report as part of an update on efforts underway in support of Executive Order (E.O.) 13865 on Coordinating National Resilience to Electromagnetic Pulses. E.O. 13865 establishes resilience and security standards for U.S. critical infrastructure as a national priority.

EMP weapons have the potential to disrupt unprotected critical infrastructure within the US and could impact millions over large parts of the country. Since the President’s signing of the E.O. in March 2019, DHS, through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), in coordination with the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has taken key actions to address known EMP-related vulnerabilities to critical infrastructure. The EMP Program Status Report highlights efforts taken across the public and private sector to foster increased resilience to EMP events. Through data analysis, vulnerability and risk assessments, testing and pilot programs, and government and industry engagement, the department is identifying critical infrastructure and associated functions that are at greatest risk from an EMP, and developing and implementing best practices to reduce the risk.

“EMP attacks are part of the emerging threats against our nation and demand a response,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli. “That is why DHS is taking these contingencies very seriously, working diligently to mitigate our risks and equipping our state and local partners with the resources they need to do the same. We’ve made significant progress and look forward to the work ahead.”

“As the Nation’s risk advisor, one of CISA’s priorities is understanding and mitigating threats associated with EMPs,” said CISA Director Chris Krebs. “Over the past year, we have worked with interagency and industry partners to identify the footprint and effects of EMP threats across our National Critical Functions, and are developing sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective approaches to improving the Nation’s resilience to EMPs.”

In 2018, DHS released the Strategy for Protecting and Preparing the Homeland against Threats from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) and Geomagnetic Disturbance (GMD), which was the Department’s first articulation of a holistic, long-term, partnership-based approach to protecting critical infrastructure and preparing to respond and recover from potentially catastrophic electromagnetic incidents.

There is much to be done on this issue. Not all of it is the govt's responsibility. Private citizens are not being made aware of their vulnerabilities.

#1 : Homeowners will likely lose their television, radio, computer {internet}, automobile {computer controls}, 2-way radios... etc.

#2 : The electric grid; the challenge is mammoth - and any progress has not been widely broadcast. One of the biggest problems are the large transformers that control power on the vast grid system(s). Ten years or so ago we had almost no backup transformers - and the ones we had were manufactured overseas. Hopefully that is one vulnerability that POTUS and the USGvt have addressed.

#3 : Transportation; the same vulnerability that will disable your automobile will disable trucks that deliver the vast majority of the items we consume - from food and medicines to critical public needs... hardware and building supplies... hospital and surgical supplies... etc. Fuel pumping may well be disabled also.

#4 : Military; while the military has been 'hardening' as many systems that they can - from global monitoring equipment and troop base functions to fighter jets and fleet ships. The fate of GPS satellites is unclear; while they are not supposedly subject to EMP's they are vulnerable to 'killer satellites'. Without GPS guidance many of our 'guided missiles' as well as determining asset location and troops movements could be thrown back to WWII standards or even earlier. The same holds true of 'spy' satellites. The military may have dealt with these threats; we can only hope so - they are unlikely to brief us.

I have a relatively small Navy aluminum storage equipment case in which I store batteries {which must be recycled periodically}, radios, including short wave receivers, CB's, other small electronic equipment. There is not room for a normal sized TV and computer tower. A tablet or 'smart phone' would fit but my WiFi would be disabled as well as our cable modem; cell towers would have to be 'hardened' in order to keep operating.

At least a minimal solar system is required in order to charge battery operated units like cell phones and tablets, even lanterns and fans right up to refrigerators and the like.

I know of a few techs that have built EMP 'rooms' with computer and huge memory storage protected; that could include ham radio and television but will TV stations be on the air? Any wire or cable connections to outside sources makes sequestered equipment vulnerable.

The classic home EMP-proof container is the metal garbage can. Line it completely with cardboard or thick paper and after closing seal it with metallic tape or similar.

Individual homeowner responsibility is a large part of preparing for an EMP threat.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.