A: Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) help members protect their facilities, infrastructure, services, personnel and customers from cyber and physical security threats and other hazards. ISACs collect, analyze and disseminate actionable threat information to their members and provide members with tools to mitigate risks and enhance resiliency. The concept of ISACs was introduced and promulgated pursuant to Presidential Decision Directive-63 (PDD-63), signed May 22, 1998, after which the federal government asked each critical infrastructure sector to establish sector-specific organizations to share information about threats and vulnerabilities. Some ISACs formed as early as 1999, and most have been in existence for at least ten years.
ISACs are trusted entities established by the members to foster information sharing and best practices about physical and cyber threats and mitigation. Typically nonprofit organizations, ISACs reach deep into their sectors and domains, communicating critical information far and wide and maintaining sector-wide situational awareness.
Most ISACs have 24/7 threat warning and incident reporting capabilities, and may also set the threat level for their sectors. And many ISACs have a track record of responding to and sharing actionable and relevant information more quickly than government partners.
ISACs have demonstrated success in providing operational services – such as risk mitigation, incident response, and information sharing – that protect critical infrastructures. Other ISAC services include annual meetings, technical exchanges, workshops, and webinars.
To maintain situational awareness across the various critical infrastructure sectors, ISACs collaborate and share threat and mitigation information with each other and other partners through the National Council of ISACs.
Q: WHAT DOES AV-ISAC STAND FOR?
A: Autonomous Vehicles Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
Q: WHO MANAGES THE AV-ISAC?
A: The AV-ISAC Board of Directors will govern the AV-ISAC. It will be comprised of leaders from across several sectors, all with an active interest in autonomous vehicles in all physical domains. There is an Executive Director who manages the daily operations and is responsible for implementing AV-ISAC mission and vision. The AV-ISAC will also have staff to cover operations, intelligence coordination, recruiting, and systems administration.
Q: HOW IS THE AV-ISAC FUNDED?
A: The AV-ISAC is funded through membership dues and support from members and partners.
Q: DO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE ACCESS TO AV-ISAC DATA, ANALYSIS OR OTHER PRODUCTS?
A: No government agency or law enforcement has access to Member-submitted data without prior approval of the submitting Member. The AV-ISAC will provide appropriate government departments with sanitized data on a need-to-know basis and only with the approval of the Member submitting the data. The goal is to ensure all Member data is anonymized unless Members approve to self-identify.
Q: DOES THE AV-ISAC SELL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES?
A: Beyond recruiting new members the AV-ISAC does make or sell any products or services.
Q: DOES THE AV-ISAC SET OR MAKE POLICY?
A: The AV-ISAC is not a policy making organization. Through services offered to the membership such as secure information exchange, curated news items, and educational materials the AV-ISAC will support members in developing their own opinions and messages on policy issues.
