Cybersecurity is a high-risk scenario that pertains to every organization. This means that it should absolutely be incorporated into your crisis preparedness program.
When working with clients to plan for and prepare for this type of high-risk scenario, one important question that we always address is:
“In the event that our systems are down, what is the best alternative measure for communicating with stakeholders?”
In my experience, most people tend to take a more general approach when answering this question. For example, they may contemplate having an external Gmail account that their team can leverage in the event that their own servers and emails are down. But while this may be a solution for some – some organizations and some of their stakeholders – it typically isn’t a “catch-all” solution. Why? For several reasons, including:
- This may not be the best means of communication with all of the organization’s stakeholders;
- Depending on the organization, Legal and Compliance may not agree with this approach, for specific reasons.
So if a general approach isn’t ideal, what is the best way to approach answering this important question?
In this week’s #crisisready video, I provide insight into the best way to approach and answer this important cybersecurity crisis question. Take a look!
How has your organization addressed this aspect of your crisis preparedness?
Comment below or use the hashtag #crisisready on Twitter and let’s continue this conversation.
Cybersecurity crisis preparedness is a topic that I speak about with many audiences. If this sounds like an important topic for your next event, click here to learn more about my customized presentations and seminars.
Author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, Melissa Agnes is a leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is a coveted keynote speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today’s leading organizations faced with the greatest risks. Learn more about Melissa and her work here.
Great post Melissa. I realized that we should actually not wait for a crisis to plan this alternative route of communication with stakeholders. Even in the usual conduct of business, you are bound to have your systems down once in a while and in need of a plan B. Who has never ran out of battery on their iPhone, to realize they do not know the hotel they are going to, the number of the customer they are delayed to meet or their own kids phone #…? (Maybe getting too personal here;))
Thanks for a great post and keeping us alert!
You’re right, Sandra. This is a good rule of thumb to always be #crisisready – both on the professional / corporate side, as well as on the personal side.
Thanks for weighing in!
Well,its very effective to have an additional channal/s for communications with other parteners and i think social media is on of these alternatives..
Thanks to you Melissa