How a backup and disaster recovery plan can save your business time and money

Share This

If you’re a small business owner, you’re probably already aware that cyberattacks have become a recurring major threat in today’s global market. But did you know that more than half of all cyberattacks specifically target smaller-sized businesses, rather than large corporations?

According to a 2018 report by Verizon, 61 percent of data breaches in 2017 occurred in small businesses. Website hacking isn’t something that only happens to large, multi-million dollar companies or big-time entrepreneurs. However, it’s also important to remember that cybercriminals aren’t the only culprits. Weather-related incidents such as floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes and even power outages can also compromise your sensitive data.

Creating a backup and disaster recovery plan

On average, it takes a company approximately 191 days to realize that there’s been a data breach, and at least 66 days to fully contain that breach. Even a major breach can go undetected for months, without effective recovery monitoring. That’s why it’s crucial to implement a backup and disaster recovery plan in your business.

It’s a sobering scenario. But the good news is that if you are hacked in any way, whether it’s a minor breach or a major cyberattack, you can implement an effective backup and disaster recovery plan to effectively mitigate the damage and keep your data intact.

Preparing a business continuity plan

A business continuity plan ensures that your business continues to run smoothly, without interruption, in case of a data breach. A business continuity plan should consist of the following:

  • A written plan and analysis that identifies all critical (or time-sensitive) components and functions, as well as the resources that are supporting them
  • A detailed plan that includes who to contact, what resources to access, and a timetable of actions in case of a cyberattack
  • Training and regular test sessions for all staff members so they’ll know exactly what backup and disaster recovery plan protocols to observe in case of a cyberattack

Developing an IT recovery plan

Here are some key components you’ll need to include in your backup and disaster recovery plan:

  • A complete inventory of all data hardware and servers plus all software applications, data files and additional systems such as VoIP applications
  • A strategy that ensures all crucial data is backed up in a safe place
  • Making copies of all program software so that you can re-install it on replacement devices
  • A strategy to replace/restore all hardware and software applications

Keep reading: Your go-to guide to BDR planning

Data backup tips

  • Store all critical data off-site in a secure place. For extra security, consider investing in a managed services cloud storage system.
  • Back up all data as frequently as possible so the most updated versions are saved, along with the originals. If you’ve invested in a professional backup and disaster recovery plan, a good managed services provider does this for you automatically.

The value of investing in managed IT services

Hiring a managed IT service provider to professionally manage and monitor your backup and disaster recovery plan can be the best investment you’ll ever make. A managed IT service provider will give you the 24/7 monitoring you need, as well as constantly updated storage solutions and backup programs for your files and software. In addition, an IT support team can give your staff the cybersecurity training to survive a cyberattack and prevent future attacks.

A backup and disaster recovery plan is more than a set of protocols – it’s a highly specific emergency response system that can impact how you reach your goals or even the very survival of your business. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the full-time professional help you need to protect your cyber system – not only against criminals but also against human error and natural disasters.

Contact us today if you need any guidance on your BDR plan.