It seems obvious that one needs power to start up their computer and send email. Yet, it is still a rare event for ISPs and power companies to collaborate on issues of securing the laptops or the networks we rely on--and this is on a good day. Imagine the bad ones, like the day Hurricane Katrina hit.

When an emergency forces our nation to put a magnified mirror on our faults--or particularly unsynchronized communications response to disaster--then we must ask ourselves a critical question. How much does our telecommunications industry value cross-industry collaboration? Not that the blame should be in the hands of telcos alone. Why do our leading utilities refuse to take the action necessary to upgrade their networks. Why does an energy bill have to force utilities into the idea of IT upgrade?

In the aftermath of Sept. 11,, 2001, the United States and the world have focused on the importance of synchronized communications during emergency response as well as the preventive measures our nation’s critical infrastructures must take to analyze threats and prevent future attacks. We have learned rather quickly two major lesions: 1) That our nation’s homeland security depends on protection of critical infrastructure networks, and that 2) In times of emergency, a well choreographed series of communications operations is at the core of competent response.

While it seems obvious that our nation learned a third lesson--cross-industry collaboration is critical to effective response--the truth is that we have much to learn yet in this area. Recently, when a series of devastating hurricanes breached the Southeastern portion of our country, both telcos and utilities were forced to collaborate. It was out of that collaboration that a better communications response system was developed.

Hurricane Katrina knocked out water, gas and electric power as well landlines in nearly the entire New Orleans region. Yet despite the devastating affects on both industries, a miracle occurred--cross industry collaboration for the sake of network security. It was both during and in the aftermath of the disasters, that a success story and an industry model was born.

Below are three major lessons learned from the telecom/utilities industry collaboration during the hurricane, as well as recommendations for better cross industry collaboration in the future--for the sake of our industries, the businesses that depend on them, the customers they serve and our nation.

Lesson One: Taking preventive proactive measures for data backup

The hurricanes forced utilities to evaluate their data security systems. Those utilities that had either third-party backup support or satellite data centers outside the affected areas were secured. Some utilities, particularly during Rita, prepared for a crisis in advance, calling their telecom service providers to reroute data and voice traffic to alternate locations.

Recommendation: Create an emergency plan on the corporate, state and national level.

While those utilities that did work with their telecom service providers in advance of the storms were happy they did, it should have been an industrywide policy. It is recommended that utilities and telcos both have internal emergency plans for rerouting sensitive data and for backup of data at remote locations. Perhaps State or Federal regulation pertaining to this area could create and enforce requirements on both providers. Ultimately to protect their businesses and their customers.

Lesson Two: Proactive communication between utilities and telcos regarding power backup in the event of anticipated emergency

Much more so for Hurricane Rita than Hurricane Katrina, some utilities and telecom control centers did take proactive measures prior to the storm to secure generators for central operations (in addition to data backup and rerouting). However, this was not universally the case.

Recommendation:Create an emergency plan on the corporate, state and national level

Suggesting that telcos contact their power providers in advance of storms to coordinate emergency response and prepare for crises could not only prevent disaster, it can save lives. When communications lines go down, alternate methods of transmission can be critical. Creating a task force to create and implement plans can and should be a government responsibility. It is strongly encouraged that both telcos and utilities create plans of actions and teams of cross-industry IT professionals to collaborate in times of crises for the sole purpose of providing emergency support to the public.

Lesson Three: Sharing of IT staff during times of crisis

Cross industry collaboration was mostly an informal result of one industry leaning on another to survive the storm. While this emphasizes the importance of collaboration and open communication, it does not create a plan of action that may be more appropriate or work faster in case of the next natural disaster.

Recommendation: Emergency response training courses and subsequently cross-industry teams made of major IT professionals.

It is recommended that the state and individual telcos and utilities create small teams of IT professionals from both industries to collaborate and execute a plan in times of crises. Creating teams in advance ensures the smooth carrying out of activities without any of the headaches associated with acquiring instant familiarity under extreme tension.

Despite the dry analogy of the laptop and power supply, the similarities (and ties) between utilities infrastructures and those of telcos are much greater and much more sensitive. For example, people depend on heat and light to live, they depend on their phones to call people during times of crises, and they depend on the networks of both these infrastructures to remain secure to live a normal life. Much more so than other industries. Similarly, the networks of telcos and utilities are similar as are the potential for threats. An attack on either infrastructure would greatly disrupt the life of the American public. More importantly, securing these networks, and increasing efforts of collaboration between them in times of crises, should remain a top priority for this country.

Ofir Shavit is General Manager of the Homeland Security for Networked Industries (HSNI) conference taking place in Orlando, Fla. from Jan. 9-11, 2006.

For more information, visit www.hsni2006.com.