Disaster Recovery Mistakes to Avoid

Monica Morris • Sep 11, 2018

It is good to have a disaster recovery plan but it is far better to have a reliable one. A lot of organizations spend time and resources to set up a disaster recovery plan. Once the plan is set up, you may feel pretty confident in its safety. Unfortunately, your enthusiasm may be misplaced if your plan isn’t created the right way.

Have you asked yourself, will your business survive a disaster should one happen?

To help you put in place a solid disaster recovery plan, below we discuss a few mistakes you must avoid.

1. Shutting off External Inputs

Many businesses defer everything about disaster recovery to their IT department because well, it is an IT job. This can cause a big problem later. IT disasters can affect businesses in ways that an IT department or a business owner cannot anticipate. An effective recovery plan must get information from every sector of your organization. In addition, an external disaster recovery expert may be needed to take a fresh look at your plan. For example, a managed service provider may suggest improvements that will ensure your business data remains secure.

2. Inadequate Disaster Recovery Testing

Once you have your disaster recovery plan up and running, you may feel as if you’re ready to close that chapter. But DON’T close it! There is only one way to know if your plan will work and that is through rigorous and continuous testing. Assumptions aren’t reality, testing will let you update non-working aspects of your recovery plan. It will also let you prepare for worst case scenarios. If you adopt a testing schedule, you and your team will become familiar with the recovery process. Therefore, reducing the risk of panic-induced mistakes during an actual IT disaster or natural disaster. In addition, restored data should be verified for integrity.

3. Relying on One Backup

You have taken a big step by protecting your business with a backup plan. However, this is only good as long as your backup’s integrity is maintained. It is not unusual for business data and its backup to get damaged by a disaster. In that case, a business with one backup source can’t recover and may shut down. Having several copies of backup in different sites is redundant but it will enhance your business’ security. This is an important item to include in a disaster recovery strategy.

4. Ignoring Non-Centralized Data

Businesses prioritize data that resides sometimes in their mind or at the main office. This data is backed up on a regular basis. While data from branch offices and mobile devices such as laptops are either not backed up at all, or done occasionally. Modern businesses operate in both local and remote locations generating important data in the process. If you don’t include data from remote sources in your backup plan, a full recovery in case of a disaster may be impossible.

5. Not Having a Communication Plan

Many envision disaster recovery as just the process of backup and recovery. It is more than that. Since its goal is business continuity, a communication plan is an essential part of an effective recovery process. Your business needs to communicate with users and team members about the event and how to get back online in case of a disaster. The communication plan will also include steps necessary to get back online using appropriate tools and settings. Without a communication plan, your recovery may be stalled or even derailed. Users or members of your team won’t know what to do.

6. Focusing on the Wrong Disaster Risks

Earthquake, wildfire, and hurricanes are not the only disasters that businesses have to worry about. In fact, most disasters that affect businesses are due to human errors or deliberate sabotage. Such disasters include a failed backup power and infrastructural failures. Thus, disaster recovery plans should focus more on human-induced disasters. Also, during a risk analysis of your business, a new vulnerability angle such as cyber attacks could be revealed. These types of vulnerabilities should be considered while designing a disaster recovery plan. Not including other disaster risks in your plan can make critical business unrecoverable in case of new disasters.

There is no foolproof plan against disasters because they are unpredictable. However, you can close a lot of loopholes by avoiding the mistakes stated above and implementing the necessary changes. If you lack the resources to implement an effective disaster recovery plan, consider working with a business IT support provider (us!) to set up one. Disasters give no warnings, plan ahead to prevent loss, stress, and outage .

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Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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