The Changing Face of Terrorism

October 31, 2018 - This past week has been a sad reminder to us that terrorism is no longer just something we need to fear from foreign enemies. At a grocery store in Kentucky (and almost at a church there), at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and at any number of locations across the country targeted with bombs by mail, we have seen domestic terror at work. It would seem that it's time -- if we haven't done so already -- to learn more about the changing face of terrorism and to incorporate some terrorism training into our orientations at work (see Item #4). See what this week's articles have to say about terrorism today and how we can help our employees deal with this threat in the workplace.

The ability of organizations to adapt to the changing pattern of terrorism is essential if they are able to limit the effects of terrorism on their operations and employees. (Item #1)   The changing nature of terrorism has impacted the world in many ways; today businesses need to understand the risk posed by terrorist attacks on their people, property, and technology. (Item #2)   If the government started seeing violent anti-Semitic or white supremacist groups as more like jihadist groups, several things could change. (Item #3)

The workplace will continue to be an ideal target for international terrorists---even more so due to a lack of preparedness and a perceived lack of employer emphasis on workplace preparedness for terrorism. (Item #4)   With terrorism affecting the Western world like never before it's imperative to keep employees feeling safe. (Item #5)   Terrorism is an act of desperation rather than real power. (Item #6)


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Risk Management

October 24, 2018 - Managing risk is an ongoing process. You can't assume a "once-and-done” attitude toward this important activity or you might find yourself in trouble. So, even if you have a risk management policy, you might want to take a look at this week's articles to see if and how it can be improved.

Risk management is a form of insurance in itself, and in today's economic environment, it's an imperative step for sustainable success. (Item #1)   If and when the risk becomes reality, a well-prepared business can moderate the risk's impact. (Item #2)   Proper risk management will reduce not only the likelihood of an event occurring, but also the magnitude of its impact. (Item #3)

Business risk management isn't just a nice-to-have --- it's an invaluable tool for protecting your company and investments, according to this business owner. (Item #4)   Take these steps to put an initial risk management plan into place at your small business. (Item #5)   Conducting a company risk assessment can allow an organization to obtain a holistic view of the risks it faces, allowing management to identify these risks and capitalize on opportunities. (Item #6)


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Crisis Communication

October 17, 2018 - As you read through this week's articles, you will see several themes... respond quickly, tell the truth and apologize. There's lots more good information as well. Companies have to act like people in a crisis situation, and the way they communicate can enable that perception in their stakeholders. We hope you don't have to put this information to use, but, let's face it, stuff happens, and we all need whatever help we can get just in case.

Starbucks raised the bar on how to do what's right when something goes wrong. (Item #1)  Here are five crisis communications takeaways from the characters of "Stranger Things." (Item #2)  Unsure of where to begin preparing to communicate in a crisis? Here are seven tips your organization should master. (Item #3)

In this digital age, there are several questions crisis communication plans should address. (Item #4)  Here's a look at five examples of crisis communication fails and what we can learn from them about what not to do in a business crisis. (Item #5)  While this expert says that "crisis is inevitable," she believes that when handled properly a crisis can actually give a boost to an organization. (Item #6)


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Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October 10, 2018 - This October is the 15th observation of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, an initiative to raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity. The theme for 2018 is "Cybersecurity is our shared responsibility and we all must work together to improve our Nation's cybersecurity." These articles focus on the five Cybersecurity Framework Function areas: identify, protect, detect, respond and recover.

The first step in protecting a business from cyber threats is to identify the "crown jewels" of your business – those assets and systems that are critical to your business. (Item #1)   Here is a cybersecurity toolkit created for small and medium-size businesses. (Item #2)   Market pressure to adopt online security will come from these major factors. (Item #3)

To help organizations identify breaches sooner, breach detection platform provider Lastline lists seven tips. (Item #4)   Experts weigh in on the most important considerations when developing a cybersecurity incident response plan. (Item #5)   66 percent of organizations would not recover from a cyberattack if it occurred today. Is your organization prepared? (Item #6)

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Fire Prevention, Preparedness & Safety

October 3, 2018 - National Fire Prevention Week, this year Oct. 7-13, has been observed since 1922 in the week in which Oct. 9 falls to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred Oct. 8-10 and killed more than 300 people. October also is National Fire Prevention Month. Each year at this time we like to focus on fire safety, prevention, and preparedness. Take a look at this week's articles to see how to prepare and stay safe at work and at home. Don't take your safety for granted.

All companies should create a basic fire prevention plan for fire safety. (Item #1)  To protect yourself, home, and loved ones, follow this fire safety guide, so you're prepared for the worst. (Item #2)  Having your door closed makes a 900 degree difference in a fire. (Item #3)

Fire takes more lives in the workplace than anything else... here are some tips to prevent such fatalities.  (Item #4)  Pull, aim, squeeze, sweep (PASS)... do you know to what this refers? (Item #5)  Fire evacuation procedures are critical... make sure everyone knows them. (Item #6)


For the full issue, click here.