Cyber & Physical Security

Organizations are focusing more on cyber security, not just physical security. And, increasingly, they are focusing on the convergence of cyber and physical security. How can these two areas reinforce and benefit each other and overall security as well. If you are not familiar with this convergence or if you are considering how to implement a program, this issue may be of help to you.

What is convergence and how will it benefit your organization? (Item #1) The front line in protecting your data and your computer is securing the physical equipment itself. (Item #2) The lack of integration between physical and cyber security creates numerous challenges. (Item #3)

When it comes to cyber security who do you depend on? (Item #4) We need to protect not only our digital assets but also the people for whom those assets were created. (Item #5) This guide can help you determine how to handle cyber and physical security threats. (Item #6)

National Safety Month

Each June, the National Safety Council sponsors National Safety Month and encourages organizations to participate in this observance to educate everyone about preventable injuries and deaths. This years NSM theme is Safety Starts with Me. The weekly themes this year include: Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls; Employee Wellness; Emergency Preparedness; and Ergonomics. Bonus topics are summer safety and driving safety. This issue focuses on these six areas.

Slips, trips and falls make up the majority of workplace accidents; here is how to help prevent them. (Item #1) What are the benefits of an employee wellness program? (Item #2) Here is a step-by-step approach to emergency planning, response and recovery for companies of all sizes. (Item #3)

Employers need to pay attention to ergonomics requirements. (Item #4) Share these summer safety tips with your employees so everyone will be safe. (Item #5) Any distractions can endanger the driver and others, texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction. (Item #6)

Mass Notification Systems

Mass notification systems (MNS) have become more of a necessity in recent years and should be a part of every business continuity plan. But do you know what you need? How to plan for such a system? If not, this issue could help shed light on this process.

Here is some information on the different types of systems and applications. (Item #1) There are several key steps in planning a mass notification system, described here. (Item #2) Have you included social networks as a channel in your MNS? (Item #3)

Why is redundancy key in an MNS? (Item #4) It is important that you understand the mass notification/emergency communication codes, planning process and available technologies. (Item #5) This information about the new MNS code could be very helpful. (Item #6)

Atlantic Hurricane Season

National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2013 begins May 26th and runs through June 1st. Hurricane hazards take many forms, among them heavy rainfall, high wind, storm surge, shore and inland flooding, tornadoes, and more. The National Weather Service is responsible for protecting life and property by issuing timely watches and warnings, but you have to be ready before a storm approaches. This issue offers readiness help.

Here is what to expect from the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season. (Item #1) Are you prepared for the unique HR challenges that result from hurricanes? (Item #2) Are you aware of which if any employment laws come into play when disaster hits? (Item #3)

This brief guide to responding to hurricanes will be helpful in your preparedness planning. (Item #4) This article contains preparedness tips for homes and businesses. (Item #5) What will you do if your office is not available for employees to work from? (Item #6)

Business Continuity Planning

The quote this week reminds us that no matter how much we plan, update, train and test, we will never be done. Most of us know this and are aware that a plan is a dynamic thing... and it only works if it keeps up with changes in the organization and the physical, political, and business environments. We hope that this issue will help you take a new look at your plan and get busy on that all-important updating.

Two companies took different paths; that made all the difference. (Item #1) Here are a few reasons why business continuity plans fail, and how to avoid them. (Item #2) Despite the close attention paid to the details of methodologies and best practices, business continuity plans often are not as successful as they should be. (Item #3)

Here is a business continuity planning checklist that will keep you on track. (Item #4) In a disaster, few people care about the definition of terms, but one sure way to get through the chaos of losing data and facilities is to know the difference between recovery and continuity. (Item #5) This guide will help you to identify potential risks, make preparations for emergencies and test how your business is likely to cope in a disaster. (Item #6)