Business Pandemic Preparedness
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to the RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
WHO (World Health Organization) raised the influenza pandemic phase to 5, out of 6. Dr. Margaret Chan released a statement on April 29 stating ” Based on assessment of all available information, and following several expert consultations, I have decided to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5. Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world. On the positive side, the world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any time in history.” To view a chart of the current pandemic level click here.
There is a lot of media coverage, both mainstream and social media, right now regarding H1N1 flu (swine flu), and many government, organizations and businesses are enacting their preparedness plans. There are a few things to consider relating to how the H1N1 flu affects individuals and businesses.
Get the Facts
Now is a time to rely on fact and use credible sources for information. Here is a short list of organizations that are providing factual, up to date information on H1N1 flu and pandemic planning and action:
Here is also a list of social media accounts that are updating factual, real-time information:
- @CDCEmergency on Twitter
- @RedCross on Twitter
- @MontanaRedCross on Twitter
Preparedness Planning
A successful business thrives based on its ability to be proactive and prepare for challenges it may have to endure. While it is best to already have business continuity plans in place, if not, now is the time to start. Don’t wait until its too late. Use the resources available and act now. A good place to get started: Ready.gov Business
Stephen Northcutt from the SANS Technology Institute has compiled an excellent resource page relating to pandemic preparedness planning. He also lays out a skeleton preparedness plan for companies, which is:
Don’t Panic!
Here is a quick podcast interview with Bill Brenner on the Swine Flu and its implications on IT and IT Security.
Warn people about Swine Fly phishing attacks
Initial monitoring stage (where we are right now)
- If you’re sick, stay home
- Family is sick, stay home
- Close contact with someone showing symptoms, stay home
- Wash your hands, cover your cough
Then, if multiple cases in your area,
- Think about telling non-essential workers to stay home
- Recommend workers take kids out of daycare
Pandemic stage
- Everyone will be staying home, how will you handle it?
- Do you have enough laptops?
- Can your VPN concentrators handle the load
- Who will stay in the data center
- Can you operate server systems from home
- Link to SANS reading room paper on pandemic and network systems
Security Considerations during Major Events
It comes as no surprise that when the media is covering a hot topic, there are those that will use the opportunity of high interest to exploit a vulnerability, whether it is human or not.
Email security vendors are reporting an increased percentage of spam email containing the keywords “swine” and “flu”. Some say as many as 2 percent of all spam email they are filtering contain these keywords. Be alert, adjust filters as needed, and increase the awareness of those around you to be on their toes. Use smart services such as OpenDNS, to help decrease the likelihood of becoming subject to a phishing attack. Double check the host based (anti-virus software and firewall) software being used to protect your workstations, laptops, and servers to ensure they are updated and protected as best as possible.
A True Benefit
While there is no substitute for being prepared in the time of need, there is also no better time to begin carefully thinking about, preparing, and putting in to place an action plan to allow you, your employees (and their families), business and others be prepared, safe, aware and productive.
(Photo credit: Random Tony)
