Diaster Recovery

Public health authorities warn risks of a pandemic are growing in light of the swine flu outbreak and avian flu cases. Because pandemics are fundamentally different from the disasters commonly envisioned in business continuity plans, most IT organizations are not prepared to face this threat. This updated report outlines the specific ways in which pandemics are different from other types of disasters. It suggests three planning scenarios, and it outlines specific actions that IT risk managers should consider to prepare for a potential flu pandemic. If adequately prepared, the IT group will be able to continue to support critical business functions, and it can provide solutions to help the organization get through a pandemic. (12 pp., 1 fig.) [Executive Summary]

April, 2009