IT: In Search Of Security Post Katrina/Rita Disaster Preparedness

Abstract

What has been done to safe-guard the IT infrastructure and the mountains of data from future disaster, both natural and man made? Upgrading existing systems, building safe houses, and duplicating existing systems are some of the methods being utilized by Gulf Coast companies and business. Other options may be to relocate inland, away from natural disaster factors, though still not protected from terrorists, either from within or abroad.  This study addresses many of the current problems which linger:  unsuitable structures, costly relocation, escalating utility costs, security risks, weak disaster preparedness design, and conventional shortsightedness. Within the study, one can see that IT management is moving toward security, looking at future security as part of today’s operational norm. Disasters hit many American companies squarely in the pocketbook, but not a single company surveyed relied on Federal funds to offset losses. Companies, who lost their physical structures, were able to rebuild despite the odds, and two years later are still solvent. This speaks to the management and the spirit of the company itself.  This survey will be on-going, gathering information into the future as well as the perspective of the past. What will IT security look like in 2010? We will revisit this issue in real time as the survey results continue.