Keep Your Company Safe With A Disaster Recovery Plan

Monica Morris • Jun 05, 2018

What is a Disaster Recovery Plan?

In the event of a disaster such as a natural one or a man-made one, or even a catastrophic event for that matter, you will want to do your best to be prepared and have a solid plan in place.  As such this would be the same for a business as well. However, for a business when disaster strikes, this could be in the form of a cyber attack. In order to protect your core business and information systems, it’s highly important to plan ahead and develop a disaster recovery plan that will be readily available for your team members. A disaster recovery plan (also known as DRP) will include a recovery strategy and steps to take to protect your business on how to handle unexpected circumstances.

In summary, a DRP, allows an organization to prepare for a wide range of disasters including network attacks and equipment failures. The purpose of a disaster recovery plan is to lessen the impact of a disaster on an organization. When done properly, a disaster recovery plan can ensure a quick recovery of business functions for an organization without taking a major loss in revenues and other business activities.

A disaster recovery plan will include a breakdown of company processes. And will also share the details of a business continuity plan so, in the case of a disaster, a company can return quickly to smooth operations with the least amount of interruptions possible.

IT Disaster Facts

  • More than half of small businesses are reported to have suffered more than eight hours of downtime for the last five years. This downtime came at a significant cost; it cuts into the bottom line of the businesses involved.
  • DRP needs to be updated on a regular basis so that new information and installations are included in the plan. For companies without DRP, a risk assessment is necessary before creating one.
  • A 2015 report from the IT Disaster Recovery Preparedness (DRP) Council shared, “ One hour of downtime can cost small companies as much as $8,000, midsize companies up to $74,000, and large enterprises up to $700,000.”  

Getting Started

To begin with, a business impact analysis (BIA) has to be done, as well as a risk analysis (RA). The creation of a DRP also needs information on how fast the recovery needs to take place as well as the recovery status to be obtained for the process to be considered a success. Both of these are accomplished using a recovery time objective (RTO) and a recovery point objective (RPO). From the above, it can be seen disaster recovery requires a lot of work and expertise.

What To Do When Disaster Strikes in IT

When there is an IT disaster, an organization with a disaster recovery plan can immediately initiate its implementation. This begins with the incident response team taking over in order to assess the situation, recovering the affected systems, and later doing follow-ups to find out what sections of the disaster recovery plan worked and what parts did not.

Having a DRP will ensure that an organization is in a good position to manage the event. In addition, the plan allows businesses to test and improve on their existing disaster recovery plan and to ensure that normal operations are resumed as soon as possible.

To establish a hitch-free disaster management, copies of the disaster recovery plan should be made available for all those involved in the recovery process. The team should also be in a position to understand the disaster situation at hand and be able to test the plan out as well. An understanding of the systems’ hardware, software and other IT infrastructure of the organization affected is necessary for recovery.

That said, the process of recovering from a disaster should involve compliance with regulations as well as timely response, in cases where mission-critical operations are affected.

A successful disaster management process should end with the organization running its operations with little to no hindrances.

Managed IT Service Providers and Disaster Recovery Plan

A disaster can affect any department within an organization, including IT. IT has become a critical part of many small business operations and its outage could cripple an organization. Thus disasters need to be resolved with urgency and necessary skills.

IT disasters can be very expensive to contain and manage. Some businesses do not have the human resources to manage such incident. This is a problem that can be resolved by outsourcing the task to a managed IT service provider.

In fact, with the advent of cloud computing, outsourced IT support has pushed down the costs of disaster recovery. With these services, firms no longer have to spend on IT infrastructure in preparation for any disasters in future.

Another upside to using managed IT disaster recovery systems is that they are easier to deploy. Upgrades are also easier, and keeping the systems up to date is not technically demanding for the business. Using outsourced IT services can help free up time for company employees as well so they can focus more on projects rather than IT.

Disasters happen, and they have the potential to disrupt an organization’s operations and threaten its very existence. That is why every organization needs a disaster recovery plan to help them bounce back and reduce the potential damage that can happen due to unforeseen circumstances. Companies who don’t have the time or capacity to implement their own DRP should consider the services of Managed Service Providers who are skilled in disaster recovery.

Here at SDTEK, we offer two Managed Security Services – click here to learn more about our disaster recovery plan services. We will work with you to implement a DRP for your company to help keep your team members in the know if a disaster should strike.  

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown

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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