When Disaster Strikes, What’s Next For Your Business?

Monica Morris • Dec 19, 2018

If a natural disaster should strike, such as a hurricane, tornado or an earthquake, you will want to make sure your business is prepared ahead of time with a Disaster Recovery Plan. This is a plan that will guide you through which steps to take in order to keep your business up and running in the event of a disaster. With disaster recovery (dr) the goal is to create a plan that will help to have fewer interruptions and/or loss of data for your company.

Take a moment and ask yourself, is your business prepared in case something catastrophic should happen? What would happen to your devices or your information technology should a disaster take place? There are disaster recovery strategies to follow that should be set up ahead of time. Examples of these strategies are regular testing of your plan, educating your staff, and having critical documentation readily available. Critical documentation could include a list of software and their license keys, and the system to be used in the recovery process.

Now that we went over a few disaster recovery strategies, let’s take a look at what happens when a disaster really does strike. What is next for your business? Here are some basic guidelines to follow if your business is affected by a disaster and you need to use your Disaster Recovery Plan:

1. First off, it may be a bit chaotic and that’s OK. Try to stay calm and focused. What you will want to do is schedule a meeting with your management team, IT team and/or managed service provider. It’s good to meet with your team and go over high priority issues that are mission critical and are required in order for the business to operate.

Here are a few items to go over in a meeting:

  • How will employees have access to critical business items such as data or client information?
  • Where can this data be found?
  • Establish an alternate location to meet at if you can’t be at your main office.

 

2. Store your data offsite and backup your files at another location. We obviously want to hope for the best but if a disaster should happen and there is physical damage at your office, you will at least have peace of mind knowing that your data is OK.

If you do find yourself in the midst of a disaster, have a set of directions available for you and your employees so everyone can find and access the data backup you are storing offsite. Provide specific instructions on how these backup files can be obtained as well. It is important to have access to these files after a disaster. This can truly save your business and make it so you can continue operating. Moreover, to be completely thorough also do have hard copies of your data on hand and stored safely at a different location.

 

3. If you are working with a managed service provider and they have developed your disaster recovery plan, it is important to have specific notes from your MSP about who will handle what between you and your MSP in the event of a disaster. Your agreement should include how fast of a response is expected from your MSP and what aspect of your business is covered by the recovery plan. Have phone numbers and email addresses readily available in case you need to contact your MSP after any type of disaster.

 

4. Don’t forget you do have a plan in place. Make sure to find your plan right away and put it into action. It will help to identify what roles people will play in making sure business operations don’t fail and data is not lost. You will know exactly who is taking care of what during an emergency.

 

Extra Tip! Test out your plan before a disaster hits – this way you have an idea of how your plan will play out when there really is a disaster. And you will also know if anything needs to be updated for your plan so it will run smoothly.

 

Interested in adding a Disaster Recovery Plan to your business? SDTEK can help. Contact us today to learn more about our secureTEK  Backup and Disaster Recovery service and how it can help your business if faced with a disaster.

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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