Ghosts and goblins are lurking today – ready to scare any unprepared soul that gets caught in the terror!  For business continuity planners, these goblins are a treat when compared to the tricks that can occur on a daily basis.
It’s a scary world out there. Risks, threats and interruptions are all around – ready to shut down a data center or destroy a critical application. Is your organization ready to fend off the dangers? Or will the results of an interruption haunt you?

A few risks to consider are:

• Terrorism and Security Issues: It’s the unknown that makes this risk one of the scariest. Despite the best plans, a disgruntled employee or an outside force can make your organization a target. Companies must consider how to protect employees, physical sites and internal data.
• Telecommunication and Computer Failures: In today’s world, continuous operation of key business processes is expected. Critical systems have to be available around the clock. An interruption can result in the loss of customers and damage to your reputation.
• Cyber Security: As the need for continuous access grows, so does the possibility of malicious threats. IT executives have said that viruses, worms, spyware and “hackers” are the greatest risks facing their systems.
• Natural Disasters: In recent years, major disasters have caught our attention. The recent hurricanes along the Gulf Coast were devastating and provided many lessons for our industry. In addition, major earthquakes, tsunamis and floods have occurred, causing massive damage to businesses in those regions.
• Pandemics: One of the scariest threats is the possibility of an Avian influenza outbreak. Despite months of warnings, many businesses are still unprepared for the possible loss of much of their workforce.

It’s a frightful time in today’s world. Throw on your business continuity planner costume and get ready to battle these scary risks and more!

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Fall 2006 - Cover Article

By Janette Ballman

With the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 disaster, it is time to take stock of what has happened in the business continuity industry since that day. When Islamic terrorists flew airplanes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, Pentagon and downed another in Pennsylvania, the world gasped. Shock, fury and sadness soon followed.
For those involved in business continuity, the attacks were a turning point. While this industry has witnessed and prepared for numerous disasters of varying magnitudes, the 9/11 terrorist attacks brought up issues that had never been considered.
After 9/11, planners had to change the way they think, the way they plan, the way they prepare. Though businesses had always prepared for outages and interruptions, this disaster was much different. It was the first disaster where there was no infrastructure on which to rely. After 9/11, parts of New York City had no power, no phones and no water. Transportation throughout the city was shut down, as was airline transportation throughout the country. Offices were eliminated; buildings were destroyed or damaged beyond use; and worst of all, many companies lost hundreds of employees.
In the days and months following Sept. 11, 2001, business continuity awareness was at a pinnacle. Service providers reported an increase in inquiries; attendance at industry conferences was up and reporters continuously interviewed continuity experts.
Has the heightened interest had any long-term effects on the industry? Are we better prepared now than before the attacks?

The answer is yes….and no.

Click here to read the entire article

Additional Articles Found in Fall 2006 Issue of DRJ

• September 11: Five Years Later
• ChicagoFIRST is a Model for Other Cities
• 2005 BCM/DR Survey Results
• Business Continuity vs. Protecing Data
• Ice, Gas & Money
• Reminded of the Perils of Power Loss
• Planning for Elderly in Natural Disasters
• Aligning Operational Resilience to Business Requirements
• The Missing Link in Business Continuity
• Current State of Pandemic Disaster Preparedness
• 2006 Pandemic Preparedness Survey Results
• Prepare for the Next Wave of BC Planning
• Securing Storage Networks
• Infrastructure Maintenance
• Living On the Edge
• Fall World 2006 is an ‘Overwhelming Success’
• 2006 Software Survey (PDF)

Dr. Robert C. Chandler (Pepperdine University) and Dr. J.D. Wallace (Lubbock Christian University) are conducting a study investigating select aspects of communication during a crisis, disaster, or emergency. The researchers have prepared a short (14 item) on-line questionnaire that can be completed/submitted in less than 8 minutes time (on average). Key findings of this study will ultimately be available to the disaster recovery and business continuity community.

The survey is anonymous and can be completed without providing any identifying information. However, participants who complete the brief survey can (optionally) register for a drawing to receive a single FREE DRJ SPRING WORLD (March 25-28, 2007, Orlando, FL) Conference Registration (up to a $1095 value). Information will be used for no other purpose but to contact survey winners. This year DRJ is celebrating their 20th Anniversary and the conference continues to be the ultimate experience and opportunity to learn more about disaster recovery. The selected winner will be notified of their prize in December 2006 and given information on how to register for the conference.

To complete the questionnaire and register for the drawing for one FREE DRJ SPRING WORLD (March 2007, Orlando, FL) Base Conference Registration - please use this link below to access the short survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=15882661812

DRJ eXpress is published by Disaster Recovery Journal. We have added this exciting publication to our family to better update our readers on current events and happenings.

In the fast-paced world of business continuity, having current information is key to staying ahead of the challenges that can occur so quickly. This monthly eZine will contain a wealth of tips, statistics and technology updates. In addition, you can find information on local continuity events, meetings and more.

Get the information you need – quickly and easily with DRJ eXpress! Staying informed is essential – and we are here to help.

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