During a recent IT problem caused by a software mistake, the airline industry and other sectors faced big issues. Passengers, like Anthony Bosman, had trouble getting boarding passes on their phones. They had to use pen and paper instead. This shows how important it is to have backup plans in case of emergencies. Many companies have had similar problems before, so experts suggest having paper-based processes ready in case digital systems fail.
In 2019, Norsk Hydro, a company from Norway, got hit by a ransomware attack. This attack locked employees out of their computers. To keep the business going, workers had to use paper instructions and old-school methods. This event highlights how having manual processes in place can help deal with cyber-attacks. Companies are now being advised to keep printed copies of important information to ensure things keep running during crises.
Some companies are now setting up disaster recovery plans that include paper forms and other ways to communicate, like fax machines, in case digital systems crash. They are teaching employees how to use tools like flipcharts and whiteboards in case they can’t use computers. While paper-based processes may not be as fast or scalable as digital systems, they can be good backups during IT issues.
Experts stress the need for off-site data backups and separate networks to avoid losing data during ransomware attacks. Companies like eSilo offer safe data storage solutions to protect important information. When facing cyber-attacks, quick fixes like using mobile broadband routers or other communication methods can help keep businesses running. It’s important for companies to be ready for cyber incidents and have plans in place to keep things going.
Original news source: How pen and paper comes to the rescue in an IT crisis (BBC)
🎧 Listen:
Slow
Normal
Fast
📖 Vocabulary:
| 1 | ransomware | A type of malicious software that blocks access to a computer system until money is paid |
| 2 | scalable | Able to grow or expand in size or capacity |
| 3 | cyber-attacks | Attempts to damage or disrupt computer systems or networks |
| 4 | broadband | A high-speed internet connection |
| 5 | disaster | A sudden event causing great damage or suffering |
| 6 | recovery | The act of returning to a normal state after a problem |
| 7 | communication | The exchange of information between people |
| 8 | experts | People with a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular area |
| 9 | solutions | Ways to solve a problem or deal with a difficult situation |
| 10 | incidents | Events or occurrences, especially unexpected ones |
| 11 | processes | A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end |
| 12 | sectors | Different areas of business or industry |
| 13 | manual | Done by hand, not by machine |
| 14 | scalable | Able to be increased in size or volume |
| 15 | routers | Devices that direct data along networks, like the internet |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– Headline Creation
Instructions: Ask students to work in pairs or small groups to create a catchy headline summarizing the main idea of the article. Encourage them to be creative and concise in their headline creation.
– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: one group representing the importance of digital systems in today’s world, and the other group representing the importance of having manual processes as backups. Have students line up on a spectrum based on their personal opinion and then discuss their reasons for their placement on the spectrum.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article on separate pieces of paper. Have students take turns choosing a word and drawing it on the board while their classmates guess the word. This activity will help reinforce vocabulary retention in a fun and engaging way.
– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs and assign each pair a role: one student is a news reporter, and the other is a witness to the IT problem discussed in the article. The news reporter will interview the witness to gather information about the incident, and then they will present a news report to the class based on their findings.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask students to think about a time when they experienced a technical issue either personally or at work. Then, have them pair up and share their experiences with each other. Finally, open up the discussion to the whole class to talk about how they managed the situation and what they learned from it.
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
1. What can happen if companies don’t have backup plans in case of IT emergencies?
2. How did Norsk Hydro deal with the ransomware attack that locked employees out of their computers?
3. Why are some companies now including paper forms and fax machines in their disaster recovery plans?
4. What are some tools that companies are teaching employees to use in case they can’t use computers during IT issues?
5. Why do experts recommend having off-site data backups and separate networks?
6. How can companies like eSilo help protect important information during cyber-attacks?
7. What are some quick fixes that can help keep businesses running during cyber incidents?
8. Why is it important for companies to have plans in place to keep things going during cyber incidents?
Go to answers ⇩
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
During a recent IT problem caused by a (1)______ mistake, the airline industry and other sectors faced big issues. Passengers, like Anthony Bosman, had trouble getting boarding passes on their phones. They had to use pen and paper instead. This shows how important it is to have backup plans in case of emergencies. Many companies have had (2)______ problems before, so experts (3)______ having paper-based processes (4)______ in case digital systems fail.
In 2019, Norsk Hydro, a company from Norway, got hit by a ransomware attack. This attack (5)______ employees out of their computers. To keep the business going, workers had to use paper (6)______ and old-school methods. This (7)______ highlights how having manual processes in place can help deal with cyber-attacks. Companies are now being advised to keep printed (8)______ of important information to ensure things keep running during crises.
Some companies are now setting up disaster recovery plans that include (9)______ forms and other ways to communicate, like fax machines, in case (10)______ systems crash. They are (11)______ employees how to use tools like flipcharts and whiteboards in case they can’t use computers. While paper-based (12)______ may not be as fast or scalable as digital systems, they can be good backups during IT issues.
Experts stress the need for off-site data (13)______ and separate networks to avoid losing data during ransomware (14)______. Companies like eSilo offer safe data (15)______ solutions to protect important information. When facing cyber-attacks, quick fixes like using mobile broadband routers or other communication methods can help keep businesses running. It’s important for companies to be ready for cyber incidents and have plans in place to keep (16)______ going.
Go to answers ⇩
💬 Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is a ransomware attack and why is it dangerous for companies?
2. How would you feel if you couldn’t use your computer at work due to a cyber-attack?
3. Do you think it’s important for companies to have manual processes in place in case of IT problems? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think some companies are now setting up disaster recovery plans that include paper forms and fax machines?
5. Do you like the idea of using flipcharts and whiteboards as backups for digital systems? Why or why not?
6. What are some advantages of paper-based processes as backups during IT issues?
7. How do you think off-site data backups can help companies during cyber-attacks?
8. Do you think it’s necessary for companies to have separate networks to protect their data? Why or why not?
9. Why do you think experts recommend companies to have plans in place for cyber incidents?
10. What would you do if your company faced a cyber-attack and you couldn’t access any digital systems?
11. How important do you think it is for companies to invest in safe data storage solutions like eSilo?
12. Do you think using mobile broadband routers is an effective solution during IT problems? Why or why not?
13. Why do you think companies are advised to teach employees how to use tools like flipcharts and whiteboards in case of emergencies?
14. How do you think having backup plans in place can benefit a company in the long run?
15. What are some ways individuals can protect their own data from cyber-attacks in today’s digital world?
Individual Activities
📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. ransomware
2. scalable
3. cyber-attacks
4. broadband
5. disaster
6. recovery
7. communication
8. experts
9. solutions
10. incidents
11. processes
12. sectors
13. manual
14. scalable
15. routers
Meanings:
(A) The act of returning to a normal state after a problem
(B) Able to grow or expand in size or capacity
(C) A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end
(D) Ways to solve a problem or deal with a difficult situation
(E) Able to be increased in size or volume
(F) A high-speed internet connection
(G) Devices that direct data along networks, like the internet
(H) People with a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular area
(I) A type of malicious software that blocks access to a computer system until money is paid
(J) Events or occurrences, especially unexpected ones
(K) Attempts to damage or disrupt computer systems or networks
(L) A sudden event causing great damage or suffering
(M) Done by hand, not by machine
(N) The exchange of information between people
(O) Different areas of business or industry
Go to answers ⇩
🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What did passengers like Anthony Bosman have trouble accessing during the recent IT problem?
(a) Flight schedules on their laptops
(b) Boarding passes on their phones
(c) Hotel reservations on their tablets
(d) Rental car confirmations on their smartwatches
2. In 2019, which company from Norway was hit by a ransomware attack?
(a) Scandinavian Airlines
(b) Norsk Hydro
(c) Ikea
(d) Volvo
3. What did workers at Norsk Hydro have to resort to using when they were locked out of their computers during the ransomware attack?
(a) Voice-activated software
(b) Virtual reality headsets
(c) Paper instructions and old-school methods
(d) Touchscreen tablets
4. What are companies advised to keep printed copies of to ensure things keep running during crises?
(a) Employee ID badges
(b) Office furniture catalogs
(c) Important information
(d) Lunch menus
5. What are some companies setting up as part of their disaster recovery plans in case digital systems crash?
(a) Paper forms and other ways to communicate
(b) Virtual reality simulators
(c) Drone delivery systems
(d) Self-driving cars
6. What tools are employees being taught to use in case they can’t use computers during IT issues?
(a) Flipcharts and whiteboards
(b) Virtual reality headsets
(c) Smart speakers
(d) Augmented reality glasses
7. What do experts stress the need for to avoid losing data during ransomware attacks?
(a) Cloud storage and shared networks
(b) Social media platforms and public networks
(c) Online forums and chat rooms
(d) Off-site data backups and separate networks
8. What do companies like eSilo offer as a solution to protect important information during cyber incidents?
(a) Virtual reality games
(b) Fitness trackers
(c) Online shopping discounts
(d) Safe data storage solutions
Go to answers ⇩
🕵️ True or False Questions:
1. Some companies are now setting up disaster recovery plans that include paper forms and other communication methods like fax machines in case digital systems crash.
2. Experts recommend having off-site data backups and separate networks to prevent data loss during ransomware attacks.
3. Norsk Hydro, a company from Norway, did not experience a ransomware attack in 2019, which locked employees out of their computers.
4. Passengers like Anthony Bosman had trouble getting boarding passes on their phones due to an IT problem caused by a software mistake.
5. Companies like eSilo do not offer safe data storage solutions to protect important information from cyber incidents.
6. It’s not important for companies to have backup plans in case of emergencies like the recent IT issue faced by the airline industry and other sectors.
7. Workers at Norsk Hydro had to resort to using paper instructions and old-school methods to keep the business going during the ransomware attack.
8. Companies are not advised to keep printed copies of important information to ensure operations continue during crises like cyber-attacks.
Go to answers ⇩
📝 Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. Why did passengers like Anthony Bosman have trouble getting boarding passes on their phones?
2. How did Norsk Hydro deal with the ransomware attack that locked employees out of their computers?
3. What are some of the manual processes that companies are advised to have in place in case of cyber-attacks?
4. Why are off-site data backups and separate networks important for companies facing ransomware attacks?
5. How can companies like eSilo help protect important information during cyber incidents?
✅ Answers
🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What can happen if companies don’t have backup plans in case of IT emergencies?
If companies don’t have backup plans in case of IT emergencies, they can face big issues like not being able to use digital systems, causing disruptions in their operations.
2. How did Norsk Hydro deal with the ransomware attack that locked employees out of their computers?
Norsk Hydro dealt with the ransomware attack by resorting to paper instructions and old-school methods to keep the business running while employees were locked out of their computers.
3. Why are some companies now including paper forms and fax machines in their disaster recovery plans?
Some companies are including paper forms and fax machines in their disaster recovery plans to have alternative ways to communicate and process information in case digital systems fail during crises.
4. What are some tools that companies are teaching employees to use in case they can’t use computers during IT issues?
Companies are teaching employees to use tools like flipcharts and whiteboards in case they can’t use computers during IT issues.
5. Why do experts recommend having off-site data backups and separate networks?
Experts recommend having off-site data backups and separate networks to avoid losing important information during ransomware attacks and other cyber incidents.
6. How can companies like eSilo help protect important information during cyber-attacks?
Companies like eSilo can help protect important information during cyber-attacks by offering safe data storage solutions for businesses to store their data securely.
7. What are some quick fixes that can help keep businesses running during cyber incidents?
Some quick fixes that can help keep businesses running during cyber incidents include using mobile broadband routers or other communication methods to stay connected and operational.
8. Why is it important for companies to have plans in place to keep things going during cyber incidents?
It is important for companies to have plans in place to keep things going during cyber incidents to ensure they can continue operating smoothly and recover quickly from any disruptions caused by IT issues or cyber-attacks.
Go back to questions ⇧
🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) software
(2) similar
(3) suggest
(4) ready
(5) locked
(6) instructions
(7) event
(8) copies
(9) paper
(10) digital
(11) teaching
(12) processes
(13) backups
(14) attacks
(15) storage
(16) things
Go back to questions ⇧
📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. ransomware
Answer: (I) A type of malicious software that blocks access to a computer system until money is paid
2. scalable
Answer: (B) Able to grow or expand in size or capacity
3. cyber-attacks
Answer: (K) Attempts to damage or disrupt computer systems or networks
4. broadband
Answer: (F) A high-speed internet connection
5. disaster
Answer: (L) A sudden event causing great damage or suffering
6. recovery
Answer: (A) The act of returning to a normal state after a problem
7. communication
Answer: (N) The exchange of information between people
8. experts
Answer: (H) People with a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular area
9. solutions
Answer: (D) Ways to solve a problem or deal with a difficult situation
10. incidents
Answer: (J) Events or occurrences, especially unexpected ones
11. processes
Answer: (C) A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end
12. sectors
Answer: (O) Different areas of business or industry
13. manual
Answer: (M) Done by hand, not by machine
14. scalable
Answer: (E) Able to be increased in size or volume
15. routers
Answer: (G) Devices that direct data along networks, like the internet
Go back to questions ⇧
🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What did passengers like Anthony Bosman have trouble accessing during the recent IT problem?
Answer: (b) Boarding passes on their phones
2. In 2019, which company from Norway was hit by a ransomware attack?
Answer: (b) Norsk Hydro
3. What did workers at Norsk Hydro have to resort to using when they were locked out of their computers during the ransomware attack?
Answer: (c) Paper instructions and old-school methods
4. What are companies advised to keep printed copies of to ensure things keep running during crises?
Answer: (c) Important information
5. What are some companies setting up as part of their disaster recovery plans in case digital systems crash?
Answer: (a) Paper forms and other ways to communicate
6. What tools are employees being taught to use in case they can’t use computers during IT issues?
Answer: (a) Flipcharts and whiteboards
7. What do experts stress the need for to avoid losing data during ransomware attacks?
Answer: (d) Off-site data backups and separate networks
8. What do companies like eSilo offer as a solution to protect important information during cyber incidents?
Answer: (d) Safe data storage solutions
Go back to questions ⇧
🕵️✅ True or False Answers:
1. Some companies are now setting up disaster recovery plans that include paper forms and other communication methods like fax machines in case digital systems crash. (Answer: True)
2. Experts recommend having off-site data backups and separate networks to prevent data loss during ransomware attacks. (Answer: True)
3. Norsk Hydro, a company from Norway, did not experience a ransomware attack in 2019, which locked employees out of their computers. (Answer: False)
4. Passengers like Anthony Bosman had trouble getting boarding passes on their phones due to an IT problem caused by a software mistake. (Answer: True)
5. Companies like eSilo do not offer safe data storage solutions to protect important information from cyber incidents. (Answer: False)
6. It’s not important for companies to have backup plans in case of emergencies like the recent IT issue faced by the airline industry and other sectors. (Answer: False)
7. Workers at Norsk Hydro had to resort to using paper instructions and old-school methods to keep the business going during the ransomware attack. (Answer: True)
8. Companies are not advised to keep printed copies of important information to ensure operations continue during crises like cyber-attacks. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧
