I can see a small business or a person losing emails due to a computer crash. But we are talking about the IRS. A huge company. Every large business I know doesn't use local computer-based email, but server based. And as part of backup/recovery/required archive, these servers are backed up on a regular basis and are required to store those backups in a safe place.
So the IRS is saying they had no server-based email? No backups? No archives? One computer goes down and huge numbers of emails are lost? Now multiple computers are claimed to have crashed and email from those computers are lost as well.
Ever hear of Continuity of Services?? Email is mirrored, no way in hell that a HD crash lost it.
See Annex F – Delegations of Authority
d. CONTINUITY FACILITIES. The use of continuity facilities enhances the resiliency and continuity capability of organizations. The term “continuity facilities” is comprehensive, referring to both alternate and devolution sites where essential functions are continued or resumed during a continuity event. “Alternate sites” are locations, other than the primary facility, used to carry out essential functions, usually by relocating Emergency Relocation Group (ERG) members following activation of the continuity plan. “Devolution sites” are locations used to carry out essential functions by devolving the essential functions to a geographically-separated facility and staff following activation of the devolution plan. These sites refer to not only other facilities and locations, but also work arrangements such as telework and mobile work concepts.
See Annex G – Continuity Facilities
e. CONTINUITY COMMUNICATIONS. The ability of an organization to execute its essential functions at its continuity facilities depends on the identification, availability, reliability, and redundancy of critical secure and non-secure communications and information technology (IT) systems. These communications and systems support connectivity among key government leadership personnel, internal organization elements, other organizations, critical customers, and the public.
By mirroring capabilities used during day-to-day operations and choosing resilient communications and IT systems that are capable of operating under conditions that may involve power or other infrastructure disruptions, organizations further ensure the performance of essential functions in emergency situations.
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In May 2007, the National Security Presidential Directive-51/Homeland Security Presidential Directive-20, National Continuity Policy, was issued by the President to establish and maintain a comprehensive and effective national continuity capability in order to ensure resilience and the preservation of our form of Government under the Constitution and the continuing performance of National Essential Functions under all conditions. In August 2007, the President approved the National Continuity Policy Implementation Plan to build upon the National Continuity Policy and provide guidance to Federal Executive Branch organizations on appropriately identifying and carrying out their Primary Mission Essential Functions that support the eight National Essential Functions – the most critical functions necessary to lead and sustain the Nation during a catastrophic emergency.
To provide the operational guidance to implement this policy, the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with its interagency partners, developed Federal Continuity Directive (FCD) 1, dated February 2008. In this update to the FCD, new policies and clarifications to existing policies are provided in order to give direction for the further development of continuity plans and programs for the Federal Executive Branch. Effective continuity planning and programs enhance the resilience of organizations and facilitate the performance of essential functions during all-hazards emergencies or other situations that may disrupt normal operations. The primary goal of continuity in the executive branch is the continuation of essential functions.
In this directive, the elements of a viable continuity capability for our Nation are discussed. These elements, along with the coordination of Tribal, State, Territorial, and local governments and the private sector, are critical to establishing and maintaining a comprehensive and effective continuity capability. Continuity programs and operations are simply good business practices that ensure government functions and services will be available to the Nation’s citizens under all conditions.
The provisions of this FCD are applicable at all levels of Federal Executive Branch organizations regardless of their location, including regional and field locations.
Janet Napolitano
Secretary
Department of Homeland Security
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