Terrorism

Terrorism today takes many forms, but perhaps the most common are bombings, shootings, and kidnappings. You never know what terrorists will do next, so you have to make sure you understand your organization's specific risks. You also have to know how you might be collateral damage from an attack on another organization. Take a look at this week's articles and determine if you have to rethink some of your business continuity plans for terrorism.

Diligent companies must take heed of new terrorism realities and prepare accordingly. (Item #1)   Two ways corporations are involved in counter-terrorism is in their development of security plans and engineering and retrofitting facility designs so that security is built in rather than bolted on. (Item #2)   Business continuity needs to be part of the equation in managing terrorism risk. (Item #3)  

Terrorists may be home-grown, but their reach is global. (Item #4)   Building evacuation in terrorist times isn't an easy decision. (Item #5)   The combination of detection, investigation and intelligence lets the user know exactly how to respond to an attack. (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Anticipating Terror Threats

Because terrorists' tactics are constantly evolving, we can anticipate that they will rely on a wide variety of disruptive and deadly acts in the years ahead. Recent history suggests that disruptive terrorist events, even at some distance from a company's facility, may disrupt routine operations or put personnel and business at risk. Business continuity planners must therefore anticipate and prepare for the potentially significant disruption due to a terrorist attack.
http://www.disaster-resource.com/articles/05p_058.shtml

2. Counter-terrorism for Corporations - Part I

Few people would put corporations on the list of organizations counter-terrorism brings to mind. It is hard to believe that behind red mahogany desks, professionals are now deeply involved in security measures to protect their organization, employees and customers against terrorist attacks. This article will examine how corporations are involved in the fight against terrorism.
http://www.directionsmag.com/articles/counter-terrorism-for-corporations-part-i/123254

3. Hybrid Approach Helps Guard Against Terrorism Risk

The 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks presents an ideal time to review how attacks are mitigated, and to look at terrorist acts in a different way than natural hazards. A hybrid approach to preparation can reduce the physical, economic and psychological damage that terrorists seek to inflict.
http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/09/09/hybrid-approach-helps-guard-against-terrorism-risk

4. How Can Organizations Prepare to Meet the Growing Threat of Cyber Terrorism?

Recent expert briefings suggest the nature of the terrorist threat is changing, from state-bound Al-Qaeda led groups performing physical attacks to a global network of home-grown 'self starters' and an increase in cyber threat. Cyber crime is not just about information and financial theft, it is now also moving into the physical domain. According to some, one day in the near future we might become a victim of a 'war in the shadows'; an undeclared war fought entirely by computers and not involving humans.
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Can-Organisations-Prepare-to-Meet-the-Growing-Threat-of-Cyber-Terrorism?&id=7081109

5. Time to Get Out? Building Evacuation in Terrorist Times

The initial response of the international press to the first set of terrorist bomb attacks in London was one of at the apparently orderly reaction of the emergency services and the people of London. London is, after all, a city which continued to function during eight months of fairly continual aerial bombardment during World War II. What the press really saw was the difference between a scenario that the emergency services had trained for and one that nobody was prepared for and therefore caught everybody by surprise.
http://www.riskythinking.com/articles/article21.php

6. Cyber terrorism, the next Cold War?

It is widely believed that cyber warfare will play a major role in future wars. Although cyber warfare requires huge resources, financial and in terms of manpower, a key aspect of attacks seen to date is that the identity of the perpetrators, though suspected, cannot be known with certainty. Targeted attacks that are designed to attack and breach a specific user, company or organisation are also on the rise, and remain a serious problem for the ICT security community.
http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53634