Brad Minnis, CPP

View from the Chair

Fellow members of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter:

Welcome to the February edition of the SFBA Chapter Newsletter. We are rolling out a new newsletter format this month, and I hope to reach many more members in this fashion than just having people remember to visit the website. Reaching our members in a more credible fashion is one of our goals for this year.

If you missed the January meeting, you missed a great presentation! First, we showed the ASIS video “The First Response” which was a tribute to the ASIS members who perished in the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001. We then heard an excellent presentation on Business Continuity Planning by Xochitl Monteon from EORM in Sunnyvale. The presentation, and others from past meetings, are available for download in the Members Only section of our webpage (www.sfasis.org).

The January meeting was well attended, and we had some guests from the National Institute of Technology visit us. As you may know, they have launched an entry-level certificate curriculum called Homeland Security Specialist, designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in Security. I made a presentation to the class in January, and there were less than ten people in the class. In the last two weeks however, the class, located on Charcot Avenue in San Jose, has grown to over thirty students. The school is sponsoring all of the students as student members of ASIS in our Chapter, so look for them to attend more monthly meetings in the near future. As a matter of fact, they are working on a study project, which we will be inviting them to present to the membership at an upcoming meeting.

This month we have the pleasure of holding the monthly meeting on the 20th at Lam Research in Fremont. Ted Barron, CPP, who just completed certification as a Protection Professional, will be speaking to the membership about Risk Management Programs and their Successful Application, along with other important chapter business. We have been working diligently to complete the monthly meeting schedules in advance so we can get them posted as soon as possible. Look forward to some exciting meeting locations and topics coming up in the near future.

In March we will hold our annual St. Patrick’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon at the San Mateo Marriott Hotel. Last year we had a great turnout by our membership, but unfortunately we did not have a lot of law enforcement at the meeting. I want to ask everyone now to PLEASE invite your local law enforcement representative to the luncheon and show your support and appreciation for these officers. Art Lesser, the Chairperson for this year’s event, has been working very hard to put together a very memorable program, featuring a wonderful lunch of the traditional corned beef and cabbage, as well as some exciting displays and entertainment. Please register now on our website and again, bring your local law enforcement representative. The Chapter has also invited the Chiefs of Police from all of the Bay Area cities and counties. Let’s all make this one of the most memorable St. Patty’s Days ever!

Many other things are happening behind the scenes at your Chapter, as well. We have filled almost all of the committee chair positions, and I want to thank Lew Schatz, CPP, for signing on as this year’s Legislative Liaison, and John McNamara as the historian. One of the things we have a problem with, is we have boxes of historical data that have been moving around from place to place, with no coordination or retrievability for the data. I will be working with John to come up with a long-term solution to this matter. Along with long time volunteers such as Rudy DuBord III, CPP, Kathleen Goelkel, Cindy Doyle and others, the Chapter is starting to run on all cylinders.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the Annual Seminar. R.D. Nunes, Committee Chair, and his committee, are really working hard at bringing a terrific annual seminar to you once again. A full line up of speakers and exhibitors are already in place and we look forward to one of the best seminar years ever. I have also just heard that the very popular Diversity Seminar, presented by ASIS National, may be brought to San Jose to be held in conjunction with the Chapter’s Annual Seminar. More on this to come.

And if that is not enough, remember to support the CPP Review Program and the Assets Protection Course I, which will be held next month in San Francisco at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Union Square. We will be selecting four or five members from the Chapter to receive grants to attend these programs, and I encourage member companies to support the programs as well, by sending security professionals to enhance their knowledge in these two excellent programs.

Please plan to join us on February 20th at Lam Research and I hope you approve of the new newsletter format. Please also be sure to visit our website often for additional news and top-notch security information. Feedback and comments are always welcome via email at chair@sfasis.org.

Sincerely,
Brad Minnis, CPP
Chapter Chairman

Copyright© by ASIS International, SFBA Chapter, 2003.

General Membership Meeting Minutes

San Francisco ASIS Chapter

General Meeting Minutes for the January 16, 2003 at Symantec Corporation, Cupertino, CA.

Chapter Chair Brad Minnis, CPP called the General Meeting of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security to order at 9:30 am.

Chair Minnis greeted the members and guests and called the meeting to order. Chair Minnis led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Samuel Nandakumar, a Community Chaplin for the San Jose Police Department, gave the Invocation.

Chair Minnis then thanked our host Curtis Given, CPP, Corporate Security Manager for Symantec Corporation.

Chair Minnis introduced the new executive committee members, Patrick Sharkey, CPP, Vice Chairman; Lawrence Reid, Secretary and Curtis Given, CPP, Treasurer.

Special Guests Alan Pruitt, Instructor for Homeland Security Certificate course by Corinthian College and his four students were recognized and welcomed.

Chair Minnis reported that Chairman of Budget & Finance Committee Dennis Haw, CPP, had just completed an Audit of the Chapter’s financial documents. As of January 01, 2003, the balance was $17,124.64 ($3,675.21 in Checking and $13,449.43 in Savings). Chair Minnis reported that Mr. Haw’s audit confirms the Chapter books were managed in an efficient manner. The treasurer’s report was accepted and approved.

It was reported that the website/ electronic newsletter continues to be the Chapter’s major expense. To be efficient and utilize this method of communication, accurate, updated information from all members was requested.

Chair Minnis proudly identified that the Chapter has three members that just received their CPP designation. The new CPP’s are Ted Baron, CPP with Wells Fargo Bank, S.F., Michael Mitchell, CPP with Bayside Patrol & Investigations, Santa Cruz and Mathew Pope, CPP with Barton Protective Services, Santa Clara.

Chair Minnis identified the need for a Committee Volunteer for the Legislative Chair and then asked for Committee updates. Brenda Knox reported on the Reinstatement of the College Scholarship Program and CPP grants with the deadline for application being 1/30/03. Art Lesser discussed the upcoming Law Enforcement luncheon being held at the San Mateo Marriott on March 20, 2003. Art identified the Sponsorship opportunities that were still available. Doug Nunez, the committee chair for the May Seminar and Exhibits, announced he has secured the event speakers. Vendors are still needed.

A moving video tribute from ASIS National entitled “The First Response” was then played for the Chapter audience. The video identified the heroic events of the six (6) ASIS members killed in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center.

Chair Minnis then introduced our speaker for the meeting, Xochitl Monteon, Senior EHS Consultant with Environmental and Occupational Risk Management, Sunnyvale, CA. A very lively and informative briefing on Business Continuity Planning was well received by the audience. The main emphasis of the program was towards increased awareness and proactive planning in minimizing the effects of a disaster to your business. Ms. Monteon emphasized that planning and organization is critical to the success of a Business Continuity Plan. Our thinking should take into consideration that you could have to “move and resume the entire business with no Warning or Notice”.

A complete copy of Ms. Monteon’s presentation will be made available through the Chapter website and she can be contacted at monteonx@eorm.com. Chair Minnis thanked Ms. Monteon for her time and presented her with an ASIS certificate of appreciation.

Chair Minnis then honored last year’s Chapter Chair Connie Vaughn with a gift of appreciation from the Chapter.

Four Door Prizes graciously supplied by Symantec Corporation, makers of Norton Anti-Virus and other Security Software products, were raffled off to the attending chapter members.

Next Chapter meeting is scheduled for February 20, 2003. The location to be announced at a later date.

Chair Minnis closed the meeting at 11:10 am.

A total of 55 members were in attendance, plus 9 guests.

Respectfully Submitted,
Lawrence B. Reid,
SFBA Chapter Secretary

Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

ASIS SF Bay Area Chapter
Executive Committee Meeting
Juniper Networks, Sunnyvale, CA
January 8, 2003, 11:00 a.m.

Present:
Chair Brad Minnis, CPP; Vice-Chair, Patrick Sharkey, CPP; Treasurer, Curtis Given, CPP; Secretary, Larry Reid
Additional Committee Members Present:
None

The Chapter Goals and Objectives were discussed and presented by Brad. The areas of immediate concern for this year concerned Membership, Job Placement, Newsletter, New Revenue Ideas, Chapter Finances, The Buckley Fund, Open Chapter Committee Chairs, Yearly Events and Monthly Meetings.
Specifically to be financially successful in order to present quality events to the membership and to continue sponsoring charitable causes such as the ASIS Foundation and Food Pantries in December.

• May Seminar and Exhibits is the number one focus to provide operating funds.
• All events should be as close to break even as possible.
• Increase number of Chapter members paying dues. (Last year ~220 people paid).

Also, Brad is proposing to create resources and templates for events and committees so future volunteers have historical and financial guides for running their committees and do not have to reinvent the program from year to year or whenever a committee chair changes.

Promote continued and expanded use of the website for communicating to the membership.

Continue providing quality monthly meeting programs that are both timely and meaningful for the membership.

Improve our member services, such as the newsletter, placement activities and educational opportunities (grants, scholarships) for members and students. (We will go over these in more detail with individual committee chairs) and provide updates as appropriate).

EVENT CHAIRS:

As mentioned in our goals, we would like to see all major events come as close as possible to breaking even. This means you should understand all of the cost associated with the event up front, then you can back into the amounts you will need for sponsorship, meal charges, etc. Obviously we need to try to keep the cost for members as low as we can, but don't undercut your actual costs by a lot either. Kris Rennett put together a budget template for the golf tournament that we used last year, and was a big help in determining what we would charge, how much in sponsor money we needed, etc. I have attached it for your information and use, if you so desire. Please let me know if you need assistance in determining event budgets and I will be happy to help.

Chapter Committee responsibilities were discussed and assigned as follows:

Brad Minnis, CPP, Chair
St. Patrick’s Day Law Enforcement Appreciation
Placement
Publicity
ASIS Foundation
Budget and Finance

Patrick Sharkey, CPP, Vice Chair
Annual Seminar and Exhibits
Programs and Workshops
Hospitality
Library
Historian

Larry Reid, Secretary
Golf Tournament
Membership
Web / Newsletter
IB Hale

Curtis Given, CPP Treasurer
Security Officer Recognition
CPP Committee
Legislative Liaison

It was also discussed that updates should be provided on at least a monthly basis to the Executive Sponsor on committees and status on events, and also newsletter information by the 10th of every month. Committee Chairs are encouraged to contact the Exec Council Sponsor when guidance or assistance is needed on the programs.

The Chapter has been receiving volunteers via the web page. Committee chairs will be contacted to allow the volunteers to be active.

It was suggested that committee chairs should be invited to the monthly Executive Council Meetings. A notice would be sent out at least a week prior to our meetings. Meetings will be scheduled to take place on the 8th of each month, usually around the noon hour.

Next Executive Council Meeting February 12, 2003, 11:00 at Guidant

Respectfully submitted by
Lawrence Reid
SFBA Secretary

Featured CPP Profiles

Every month, we will be featuring one or two of our Chapter's CPP members in this forum.  We applaud their achievements and self-dedication to the Security Industry, and we would like to recognize their efforts with this special web page.

This month's Featured* CPP member is:
Keith Krasnove CPP
   

Keith Krasnove, CPP
President
ASIS Member since 2000
Earned CPP in 2002    

Membership Updates

New Members

Lester Cacao
VaxGen Inc.

Robert Caruso
Edelman Corporation

Michael John
Veritas Software

Rebecca O'Brien
SECURAC Inc.

Ken VanRemortel
Barton Protective Services, Inc.

Members Transferred In

Judy Garcia
Allied Security

Members Transferred Out

John Melnicki
to the National Capital Chapter

By Cindy Doyle
SFBA Membership Committee

Internet Interests

Cyber Terrorism -
Getting Back on Your Feet

The two most common forms of Cyberterrorism either destroy computer data or cripple the web server. However, if you are prepared for these attacks, you will find it much easier to recover from them. Many attacks can be avoided by utilizing virus scanning software and enforcing safe data handling procedures. However, if a cyber attack is successful, you may be able to greatly reduce your recovery time and costs by following some common sense preparations.

In January of 2003, a modified version of the infamous Code Red Worm was re-released on the Internet and, although not as destructive as the first time around, it did manage to knock out thousands of ATM’s and to severely slow down Internet servers. Such damage clearly indicates that there are still too many people out there who are not taking precautions to protect themselves seriously. A coordinated attack by Cyberterrorists has been predicted by security experts and it is believed that this most recent attack may have been a practice run for just such an attack and that this recent virus release may have been for the purpose of detecting the weakest links in the Internet at this time.

One of the problems with this form of security attack is that you have some viruses that attack networked systems and others that attack stand alone systems like your home computer and, of course, there are those that will attack either type of system. Corporate IT managers can put enterprise-wide virus detection and removal software in place but it cannot prevent employees from bringing in viruses from home or from disabling the anti-virus software on their computers at work. Since it is virtually impossible to prevent all forms of cyber-attack, your next line of defense is to prepare yourself for recovery from these attacks.

To Prepare for Recovery, you need to go back to the basics.

1. Make sure that you have completely halted the attack.
2. Warn all employees about the attack and ask for their cooperation while you ‘recover and restore’.
3. Make sure that you have installed any patches or necessary fixes to protect yourself from further attack.
4. Make sure that you have frequent, reliable, and usable backup files. (Did you know that when you backup your files to CD-ROM, they are automatically flagged as being Read-Only files? When you restore them to your computer at a later date, you will have to remove this flag before you can modify or even use the files in some cases.)
5. Lastly, have a restore procedures checklist ready so that you don’t forget any procedures or perform them out of sequence. (Did you know that in some cyber attacks you may lose Internet cookies from your online purchases and be unable to verify your purchase should you need to download the software from the vendor again?)

Having to rebuild or restore your computer system(s) is always costly but being ready for it when the situation presents itself, is priceless. Security professionals should make sure that their company’s emergency plans include a set of tested computer recovery and restore procedures. When creating this action plan for your company you should also include a review of your current data backup procedures.

Respectfully submitted by Steve Duell
SFBA Chapter Webmaster
2003 ARVP Chapter Internet Development
Send replies to webmaster@sfasis.org

ASIS International
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Treasurer's Report

January 2003

Respectfully submitted by:
Curtis Given CPP
Chapter Treasurer