Secure in the Knowledge

Category - Business Continuity & Security advice _____________________________________________

Secure in the Knowledge launched by NaCTSO, London First and the Security Service Advice for business and organisations aimed at improving the Security and Business Continuity Planning of organisations was launched today. “Secure in the Knowledge - building a secure business" is the second major initiative from NaCTSO, London First and the Security Service and follows on from the advice detailed in “Expecting the Unexpected".

The 45 page booklet and accompanying CD details the steps organisations of all types should be taking to build better resilience and security. The advice compiled from a range of organisations including the Continuity Forum illustrates the wide range of measures needed to secure the organisation and significantly reduce the risks from a range of threats including Data Theft, Terrorism, Fraud and Business Interruption.

Through no nonsense, practical advice and a simple 10 minute check list organisations can quickly assess what needs to be done to improve the resilience of their organisation. This initiative further demonstrates the importance government places on Business Continuity and Security and the role we all have to play in building a more secure workplace. Through a telling 13 minute video dozens of simple mistakes are shown that cause direct loss to organisations every day.

Jim Fitzpatrick, Minister for London, commenting on the launch said it is the responsibility of organisations to build their resilience and close the gaps in procedures and policies to reduce crime and improve security in the workplace. He welcomed the initiative and urged ALL organisations to act on the advice contained in the booklet. The booklet is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized businesses but is relevant to businesses of all sizes and builds on the advice of Expecting the Unexpected, which focuses on business continuity.

The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Minister of State for Policing, Security and Community Safety says:

“Building a secure business is not just about supply and demand. It is about the protection and prevention measures that you can put in place against crime, the consequences of a natural disaster, electronic attack, acts of terrorism and other events that would have an impact on your business." 

"You can do much to reduce the vulnerabilities of your business by taking time to review your preparedness to deal with emergencies and put simple and often inexpensive security measures in place. From the basics of identifying where your business is vulnerable to making sure you have suitable IT security such as passwords and making sure your key suppliers have plans in place to continue business if they are the ones affected." At last years CBI conference Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller, warned of the inevitability of attacks on the UK, and we have all seen this warning come true in the most horrific way.

Further, current advice is that we should expect more attacks in the UK and the measures contained in “Secure in the Knowledge - building a secure business" will reduce the risks to organisations generally and assist the Police and Security Services bring the Terrorists to justice. Assistant Commissioner Mike Bowron, City Police and ACPO representative for Terrorism and Allied Matters, strongly supports the initiative and recommends along with the Security Service and London First far more wide spread adoption of Business Continuity. 

AC Bowron and his team along with NaCTSO, have worked closely with the Continuity Forum over the past few years and have regularly presented at our events, along with other representatives of the Security Service. In support of this and other initiatives the Continuity Forum will be running a number of events supporting the wider development and adoption of Business Continuity Management. 

If you would like a copy and the accompanying CD please contact the Continuity Forum and we will dispatch copies as soon as more stocks are received. 

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The Continuity Forum will also be adding a number of specific events to our schedule to further support organisations develop the Business Continuity Management and Security planning. For further details please contact the Continuity Forum directly.

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