Several years ago, I subscribed to a system called Carbonite which performs an automatic back-up of all my computer data. Pay the annual fee and forget about it. Simple.
There are, however, far greater disasters that could occur than the crash of my home computer. For example, the power grid could fail, for 24 hours, for months or forever. If that were to take place, what method would you use to maintain communication with your customers? Your family? Your "Friends"? Your Address Book? Billing, collections, appointments... what a nightmare!
In 2007, CNN reported that researchers working for the Department of Energy had mounted an experimental cyberattack against a power generator and were able to get it to self-destruct. Details of the experiment were kept from the public at the request of the Department of Homeland Security in order to prevent public outcry. What?!!
Here's what a TIME Magazine article entitled "How Vulnerable Is the Power Grid?" (4.5.09) had to say on the subject: "While... experts agree that the utility industry's vulnerability will grow as its command-and-control systems rely ever more on computer networks, those concerns are not new. Some security experts have cautioned against the growing use of "smart grid" technology — which relies even more on computer networks to allow both utilities and individual consumers to monitor and reduce power usage. There are already 2 million smart meters in use in the U.S., and the Obama Administration's 2010 budget includes $4.5 billion in spending on such technology. The fear is that these meters may allow hackers access to the grid's control systems..."
So, why am I sending this message to you? Because I'm being pro-active and suggest YOU DO LIKEWISE.
If you find yourself sans-computer one day, but you would appreciate a snail-mail newsletter of encouragement and whatever information can be gathered, please send me your mailing address RIGHT NOW. These will be collected and stored ON PAPER, in a FOLDER, in a FILING CABINET (remember those, folks?). Please do this immediately so I won't have to be continually adding contacts to that file. ACT NOW!
Then, do this with your OWN clients, customers, friends, etc. If the Great Shaking comes and includes the Internet, you CAN be prepared! I'm looking forward to hearing from you very soon... and hoping we NEVER have to use this back-up plan. Amen?
Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
Founder, The Church @ Work (TCAW)
E-MAIL: miketummillo@me.com and type "DP13" in your SUBJECT BAR. I will send you a LINK to a thought-provoking eMail you might appreciate.
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