News

November 11, 2024

When Disaster Strikes: A Pet Owner's Evacuation Nightmare

When Disaster Strikes: A Pet Owner's Evacuation Nightmare

"Daddy, Cooper's breathing funny," Emma whispered, watching their elderly Golden Retriever pace anxiously in the backseat. Their German Shepherd Luna whined softly, picking up on everyone's distress as Mike made what felt like the hundredth phone call from the gas station parking lot. The hurricane evacuation order had come just hours ago, it’s getting dark, and every pet-friendly hotel within 200 miles was booked solid or would only accept small animals. Their aunt had offered to take in the family, but also has severe pet allergies, "Maybe the dogs could stay somewhere else?" Cooper and Luna weren't just pets –...

Read More

November 05, 2024

Emergency Reality Check: Planning for Unexpected Guests

Emergency Reality Check: Planning for Unexpected Guests

A severe storm knocks out power in several cities including yours. Roads are blocked and stores are sold out of most everything. It’s been multiple days and there is still no update on when power will return. You are very relieved to have emergency supplies ready to last and keep your family comfortable until power is restored. Just as you're settling in for the evening, there is a knock on your door. Friends have shown up seeking your help. The real test of your emergency preparedness begins, how long can you last with the additional mouths to feed? How will...

Read More

October 29, 2024

How Risk Management Can Fail: Identifying Critical Assets for Business Preparedness

How Risk Management Can Fail: Identifying Critical Assets for Business Preparedness

One might wonder why it is crucial to identify the right standard when there are so many to choose from.  Let me illustrate with a past client's experience. They wanted to build a program based on NIST 800-53  security and privacy controls. However, our initial assessment revealed that this standard was not suitable for their assets and threats. Despite our advice, they chose to work with another company that was willing to use this standard. The consequences of this decision were significant, leading to a severe financial impact and a loss of reputation. When they lost power and the refrigeration...

Read More

October 23, 2024

The New Stranger Danger: Outsmarting a Digital Predator

The New Stranger Danger: Outsmarting a Digital Predator

Mike's world halted in an instant as the seething voice on his phone spat out words that turned his blood to ice. "I have your daughter." Mikes heart stopped, and his heart pounded as the caller demanded a large sum of money. "Call the police, and she'll disappear forever, and not in a good way." Mike collapsed into his chair, his free hand shaking uncontrollably. Then, he heard it – his little girl's voice, a sound that usually sounded happy, now filled with terror. "Daddy, please help me, they are hurting me!" The fear in her trembling words was unbearable.  ...

Read More

October 15, 2024

Beware the Second Wave: After the Storm, Scammers Surge

Beware the Second Wave: After the Storm, Scammers Surge

It was only a couple days after the hurricane when Kathleen received a phone call. The storm’s destruction was severe, and it was hard to imagine anything being normal again.  Everyone was still in shock and trying to start to piece their lives back together. The friendly person on the line was a welcomed voice claiming to be from a well-known disaster relief organization. They were offering to help immediately with aid if she provided her bank information for "verification purposes to get things started quickly." Feeling overwhelmed and desperate for help, Kathleen almost took advantage of this easy and...

Read More

Tags