Cyber Response in a Crisis

Douglas Concepcion Moderator: Angela Moscaritolo, Reporter, SC Magazine

Natural Disasters

• Many of the greatest events that effect humankind are outside of our control

• These incidents maybe localized as in an earthquake, flood, etc.

• Or, very far reaching as in the Tsunami of 2004

With our ability to influence the world around us, comes the danger of destroying our surroundings and our selfs

Some of the more damaging manmade disasters are either nuclear or chemical in nature

Chernobyl and Bhopal India being two good examples

Manmade Disasters

Crisis Response – bringing the appropriate first responders e.g. medical teams, search teams, sea-land-air logistics.

Crisis Management – managing the crisis and limiting the possible complications from it.

Crisis Recovery – long term planning and implementation for the recovery of the economy, government, and infrastructure.

Three Steps of Response

The most important aspect for any of the responses to take effect is communication.

This entails the ability to either have access to land based lines, or satellite.

Most of the time due to the situation the land based lines will be damaged or destroyed.

Needs for these processes

In the best case scenario you already have functioning offices, or other resources in the effected area with SAT phones, and they themselves have not been effected.

Many times the situation is allot more chaotic then can be expected… prepare for the worst from people.

Execute on the information had.

Determining Best Communication Solution

Create a team that will execute, based on the information had. This includes all aspects of the response, not limited to IT.

Formulate a clear, concise, and easily executable plan.

Coordinate with the first responders, to properly meet their needs… many times first responders have Disaster Response Plans created for different scenarios. Leverage this against your plan, and amend accordingly.

Response to the Crisis

Send appropriate personnel with the first responders to setup the communication/IT systems needed. Sometimes this may not happen in the original response, due to military being the first to respond.

Execute the Crisis Response plan. Objectively, you should have voice

communication for critical personnel in the effected area in 24 hours. In reality the situation may limit your ability to execute effectively in a short time.

Ensure that you have the logistics worked out before sending any personnel.

Maintain a clear communication line with your crisis response team, this means 24 hour support.

If you believe that the situation may compromise the safety of the Crisis Response Team, DO NOT EXECUTE.

Most Important Items

Any questions?

If you were to go to sleep today, and not wake up tomorrow. Would you be happy with the life you have lived?