Police raids

[David_Biggins@usermgmt.com]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Watkin Simon [mailto:Simon.Watkin@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk]
> Sent: 28 February 2003 13:18
> To: 'ukcrypto@chiark.greenend.org.uk'
> Subject: RE: Police raids
> 
> Or a small business that has a contingency plan in the event 
> of its premises
> burning down can implement that plan, or parts of it, in the 
> event that all
> its IT is lawfully seized.

I doubt it most small companies will have a contingency plan that will allow
survival if ALL copies are removed.

It does of course help if the investigators are sufficiently negligent that
they ignore the question of offsite copies, copies out in the garage, etc.

And of course, how many small companies will be able to afford to obtain
replacement systems, and applications, overnight?  

If the police seize the systems and CDs, the replacement cost is likely to
be well outside the ability of most companies to afford instant
replacements...

The "premises burning down" is a completely different issue - you can insure
against it, and getting replacement kit is a question of going to a bank for
a loan against the anticipated payment.

Police removal is another issue - I doubt you can insure against it, and
once you've had it, I doubt the banks will consider a loan for the new kit.

Dave.