What to Include in a Disaster Recovery Plan

Monica Morris • Sep 26, 2018

Disasters can cause significant business disruption, yet many business owners don’t plan for it. It is not only natural disasters that can pose a threat to a business – internal factors can also cause significant damage. Factors such as electrical hazards and faulty plumbing can negatively impact a business.

If a disaster does occur, your business may find it difficult to recover without a good disaster recovery plan.

If you decide to create a DR plan to protect your business from potential crashes, here are some suggestions on what to include in your plan.

1. Communication Plan

Communication is crucial for your business to recover in case of a disaster. You will need to communicate with your staff, customers and other key business contacts that are affected by the disaster.

The question of how and who to communicate with must be clearly laid out in your DR plan. The plan should include details to guide your business from the initial communication of the disaster to the end of recovery.

Because your business communication systems may be affected by the disaster, alternative communication methods should be included in your DR plan. This will keep everyone informed of the current state of your business.

 

2. Downtime and Data Loss Tolerance

Will your business suffer a great loss if it went offline for a few hours or a few days?

Business tolerance for downtime and data loss varies, so your DR plan must be tailored to your specific business environment.

Two important metrics for recovering from downtime are Recovery Time Objective (RPO) and Recovery Point Objective (RTO). These metrics define how quick and to what extent the recovery process should extend to in order to resume normal business operations.

Each of your business functions should be rated on how important they are to your business operations with the critical ones given a high priority.

 

3. Employee Recovery Team

To avoid confusion that may arise from disasters, assign responsibilities to your employees as part of a recovery team. Assigning clear roles to personnel will make the recovery process easier to follow.

Starting with the staff who declares a disaster, there should be no ambiguity as to the roles of each personnel. This helps to promote accountability.

It may also help to keep a centrally accessible list of staff along with emergency duties and contacts.

 

4. Recovery Site

Recovery site is an alternative location for your workers to converge when the primary business location is inaccessible. It is where your staff can work on the recovery and access organization resources.

Additionally, your DR plan should contain an easy map and secondary directions to guide your staff to the recovery site.

 

5. Supply Chain Management

For businesses involved in processing orders, a disaster can disrupt the order fulfilling process. Your DR plan should indicate how to handle such scenario. This may involve having alternate suppliers or contacting the current supplier to activate an emergency plan.

 

6. Solid Service Level Agreement (SLA)

If you outsourced your disaster recovery to an outside firm, it is important to specify what will be done in case of a disaster. Your agreement should include how fast a response is expected and what aspect of your business is covered by the recovery.

 

7. Business Security

After a disaster, your staff may need to access your central networks and business data from unsecured remote locations. This may pose unique security challenges in terms of how to handle sensitive information and privileged access. A thorough DR plan will give clear directions on what your personnel is to do to minimize security risks.

 

8. Access Your Business Risks

Your business type determines the risks you face. Your industry and its geographical location will contribute to the risks posed by disasters. Your hardware, software and other business technologies will bring a different risk dimension in terms of a disaster. All your business assets must be carefully inventoried and their risks determined. The result should indicate the direction your DR plan will take.

 

You can’t prepare for all disasters but careful DR planning which incorporates the above items will increase the chance of survival for your business. It will also help your company bounce back quickly from an unexpected catastrophe. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about what to include in a disaster recovery plan for your business.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
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.
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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