Schumer Says 911 Call Centers Vulnerable To Cyber Attacks

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer says the federal government must do more to protect 911 call centers from cyberattacks.

The New York Democrat says many 911 centers use outdated technology that is vulnerable to terrorists or hackers who could overwhelm the system, preventing 911 dispatchers from responding to actual emergency calls.

Schumer says he's calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission to create a plan to protect call centers.

He compared 911 to other vital systems such as power grids or banking systems and says a loss of service could be disastrous.

Schumer cited statistics from the National Emergency Number Association that indicate more than 240 million calls are placed to 911 each year in the U.S.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]