Why You Need a Disaster Recovery Plan

Data security is vital to any business, no matter how large or small. In fact, 93% of companies that experience data loss causing a halt in business for more than ten days are reported to suffer from bankruptcy within the year. Without a disaster recovery plan, it can be difficult to impossible for most businesses to come back from a security breach of this kind.

Cyber threats are now more prevalent than ever. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, major companies, including national healthcare services, are facing increased, concentrated cyber attacks. Phishing campaigns are capitalizing on the spread of misinformation and panic surrounding the coronavirus and enticing victims to open their systems up to malicious actors.

If your business didn’t have a disaster recovery plan before, current circumstances have made it clear why you need one now. Here are some of the things putting your data at risk, and simple, efficient ways to protect it by creating a Cloud-based disaster recovery plan.

Factors Putting Your Data at Risk

Threats to your data can come internally or externally, both as cyber criminals send attacks and as employees’ failure to use secure processes leaves your systems vulnerable. These are some of the most prevalent factors that put your data at risk:

• Lack of sufficient IT support: Often small businesses make the mistake in not investing in IT support because they don’t think they’re a big enough target to be at risk. This isn’t the case. In fact, one report showed that over half of cyber attacks are aimed at SMBs. Without sufficient support, there’s only a 50% chance of survival after a cyber attack.

• Human error: Both software solutions and cybersecurity training can help protect your team from phishing attempts and other attacks targeted at them. But there will still always be an element of human interaction that leaves your data vulnerable if an employee clicks on a malicious link, fails to install updates, or uses insufficient passwords.

• Insufficient cybersecurity for remote workers: Currently, many employees are working at home and bringing company data to their personal devices and networks. While you may have excellent cybersecurity in place for your office, the state of home offices is likely another story.

• Software that’s not up to date: If your devices are not promptly and consistently updated with the latest security software and patches, they will be at risk of cyber breaches. Hackers often target software that is no longer supported by new systems and updates because they know that it will be susceptible to attacks.

• Hardware failure: Not all data loss is related to cybersecurity. If your hardware is damaged by a fire or other disaster, or by simple human error, data stored on that device will be lost if you don’t have comprehensive backups in place. Similarly, if a device is stolen, you can lose the data stored on that device, and it may be accessed by hackers if the hardware uses insufficient password and security measures. This is another factor being impacted by

Repercussions of Data Loss

The repercussions of data loss can be catastrophic on your business both financially and reputationally. In addition to the cost of replacing that data, if such replacement is even possible, you could be held liable for the loss of private customer information, and the downtime it takes to recover will only cost your business more.

On average, 43% of businesses will go out of business in the aftermath of data loss without a recovery plan in place. It is, therefore, fundamental to not only do all you can to ensure the safe storage of your data, but to also have a plan in place for worst-case scenarios.

The Solution: Cloud Backups

There are, of course, multiple solutions and factors you can choose to include in a disaster recovery plan. However, one of the simplest and most comprehensive tools you can utilize for disaster recovery is Cloud storage and computing.

Cloud backups simplify the process of archive maintenance and reduce the cost of disaster recovery by securely storing copies of all your vital data. When you work with a high-quality Cloud provider, your data can be stored using encrypted disk-based backup archiving solutions, with 24-hour security in data centers. This way, you are guaranteed increased protection of your data. Not only is your data protected, but you can also access services including disaster recovery solutions, auditing, and consulting in the event of a data breach. When you partner with an experienced IT service company, you can receive personalized guidance for selecting a qualified Cloud provider and building your business’s arsenal of Cloud tools.

In the current crisis, many companies are opting for cloud backup both due to the increased threat to cybersecurity brought on by COVID-19 and the options for increased flexibility it offers. Cloud storage can be accessed anytime, anywhere, making it ideal for remote work and collaboration. Companies that were fortunate enough to already have Cloud operations in place prior to going remote were undoubtedly able to transition to remote operations more smoothly, resulting in greater customer satisfaction and less downtime.

Peace of Mind Through a Disaster Recovery Plan

There are many ways backup and disaster recovery tools can increase efficiency and flexibility in addition to preparing your company in case of catastrophe. But one of its greatest benefits is peace of mind knowing that your valuable data will be secure and accessible to you, even in the face of a crisis. Cloud backup services allow your business to remain prepared for the worst, and you can rest assured that your data recovery will be handled securely.

Whether your data is threatened by a cyber attack, natural disaster, or even the fallout of a pandemic like the one we currently face, disaster recovery is a vital piece of your company’s IT strategy and business continuity planning.

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