Tag Archives: #Technology

The Consequences of Not Having a Proper Disaster Recovery Plan

Disaster Recovery Plan
Cybersecurity, Data Backup, Manage Service, Security, , , , , ,

We have often talked about how having a disaster recovery plan is one of the most crucial elements of good business management. Despite our constant posts and reminders, however, there are still thousands of business owners all over the world that do not take disaster recovery seriously.

Most businesses take precautions to protect other aspects of their business—car insurance, vendor contracts, and so on. But it’s scary that many people choose not to spend money on a good disaster recovery plan.

How will you handle a disaster that damages your data, equipment, or other resources? If you have prepared a business contingency plan for such events, you will have something to fall back on. There might be losses, but they will be minimal, and you will be able to restore everything soon enough.

If you don’t have a proper disaster recovery plan, you might not be able to continue with business operations. Here are some consequences you might face if you cannot prepare a suitable recovery plan for your business right from the beginning.

Disaster and Substantial Data Loss

Businesses rely on many kinds of data to operate properly. From marketing to sales to customer records, your company’s data plays a considerable role in day-to-day operations. If your data gets lost or damaged, your business can invariably collapse!

Even huge companies are not immune to the effects of data loss. Many people have had to spend millions of dollars just to get their data back after they lost it because of a cyberattack or a natural disaster.

Business Interruption

If a disaster hits your business and you don’t have the means to recover, your operations may come to a stop. You can’t work and earn money until your business is back on its feet. Without a proper disaster recovery plan, recovery can take a very long time!

Depending on the amount of damage, you will either need to rebuild your business or relocate. Either way, the process will be difficult if you don’t have a recovery plan.

Loss of Customers when not having a Disaster Recovery Plan

No matter how loyal some of your customers might be, it is unlikely that all of them will stick around if they see that your business has suffered from a disaster. Some may wait a while if they see you doing your best to recover and restore all lost information. They will take their business elsewhere if they discover you can’t fully recover.

What’s worse is that even if the disaster did not directly affect other clients, the news might spread quickly, and they might leave as well. New prospective clients might also think twice about entrusting their needs to you.

Huge Spending

Disaster recovery can be expensive, even with a plan, especially if you do not prepare for a disaster. Depending on the type of disaster, you may need to buy new hardware and re-encrypt any lost or damaged data. You are also losing a lot of money because you haven’t yet gotten back on your feet.

Disaster Recovery Plan: Final Thoughts

Research shows that 40% of businesses do not have a contingency plan in case of a disaster. These businesses will have a hard time getting their money back if something bad happens.

If you want to prepare your business for a disaster, we can help! Get in touch with us, and we will build a disaster recovery strategy to give your business the most comprehensive protection possible. Don’t forget that we can help you check if your office has exposed or stolen passwords or login info by running a Free Dark Web Scan. If you want to test your Backup Disaster Knowledge, take our BDR Quiz!

Importance of a Reliable Disaster Recovery Plan for Your Business

Disaster Recovery
Cybersecurity, Data Backup, , , ,

Running a business is not always a smooth-sailing operation. There are often things that could go wrong regardless of how cautious you are or how hard you abide by the so-called rules. Because of this, you should have a good backup and disaster recovery plan in case a disaster happens, like an accident or a cyberattack.

There are plenty of BDR solutions for different businesses. You must find the one that fits your needs and will protect your network and data in the best way possible.

Understanding Backup Disaster Recovery

All businesses deal with important information, like details about transactions, private information about employees and customers, and so on. Part of good business management is providing ample protection for all the data.

As you run your business, there will be a lot of things that can cause you to lose or damage data. Natural disasters are among the reasons, like severe storms, flooding, fires, and similar events. Equipment failure can also damage your system, like if an unexpected electric surge fries your hard drives.

These days, however, the most common cause of network and data disasters is cyber-attacks. Malware can lead to the theft or destruction of sensitive data. We’ve seen terrible things happen that forced businesses that weren’t ready or protected to close.

Why Are Backup Disaster Recovery Solutions Important?

Reliable BDR solutions play several roles in the security and protection of a business. One of the best ways to use them is to be sure that you can keep running even after a disaster. Depending on the damage, your business might not run at all or only partially after a disaster. But once you roll out your disaster recovery solution, your business can operate as usual.

Likewise, having a sound disaster recovery plan will minimize financial losses for your company. For example, it will reduce expenses on data restoration if you have secure backups. It will also reduce the time that you can’t conduct transactions and generate sales, like when you temporarily don’t have a website that works properly.

Competent Disaster Recovery Specialists

To create a successful recovery plan, you must recognize the essential elements. First, you need to find a team of experts that you can trust and who can give you the technology, protocols, and training you need to prevent data loss and fix any damage caused by disasters. Part of their function is to get your business back on its feet in the event of such disasters.

Risk Evaluation System

Businesses face varying degrees of risk that a specific disaster will occur. A reliable risk evaluation system will help you understand which disasters are most likely to happen and what the best plan of action would be if something were to happen.

Identification of Critical Assets

In the aftermath of a disaster, your business will go through a recovery and rebuilding process. You must identify quickly and prioritize the most critical assets in this recovery process.

Secure Data Backup

Before anything happens, you should already have safe copies of your data, preferably in multiple places. In a disaster, your backup recovery process must be able to get to your data. This step is important, as a result, it can help you restore lost or damaged files.

Final Thoughts

Now that you are aware of why disaster recovery is such a crucial part of running a business, waste no time and start planning your business recovery strategy today. Better yet, locate a managed services provider that specializes in backup and recovery.

And don’t forget that training your employees in cybersecurity is an important step to your protection. You can start by having them watch our Free Webinar or having them take our BDR quiz!

We have the most reliable backup and disaster recovery services that are tailored to fit your business. Call us today, and we’ll start working on the best solution for your business.

Addressing the Cybersecurity Risks of Working from Home

Risks of Working from Home
Anti-virus, Cybersecurity, Security, Technology, , , , , ,

A remote workforce has become the norm since the pandemic. Even now that we consider it safe to return to office work, many businesses have maintained the remote work setup because of the advantages. However, the risks of working from home also bring issues that need attention so as not to risk the company’s network and data.

What Are the Cybersecurity Risks That Come with Working from Home?

There are risks when working from home. Workers lack the usual protective measures used in an office network. Many workers use their home networks and may also use the same device for both work and personal things. Because of this, there are a lot of security issues that can arise and possibly cause damage to the company.

The Risks of Vulnerable Personal Networks When Working From Home

You can keep your home network protected by regularly updating your antivirus software. However, most people do not realize there is also a need to update their router software. Without doing this, you will make your home network, and sadly your work data, open to the prying eyes of online criminals. Which can risk your company data when working from home. 

Greater Reliance on Technology

Now more than ever, we rely heavily on online tools for doing all kinds of business. Besides the basic emailing and sending of files, Almost everything else gets done using digital technology, from video calling to banking to fulfilling orders. This widespread use of online tools gives higher risk when working from home. As a result, hackers have more opportunities to hack company records.

Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness

In the office setting, IT people take care of any cyber security issues. Thus, employees do not take such matters too seriously as it is not their primary work, although they are still liable. You must train them in cybersecurity and be sure they are aware of potential issues when working at home. But, this is not the case since most employees still lack adequate skills and knowledge to avoid these cybersecurity threats.

Fatigue and Lack of Focus

Human error is still the most common cause of data breaches, and this is especially true in a remote work setting. Studies have shown that almost 40% of work-from-home employees feel really tired in the remote work setup. In addition, they also need to juggle home chores, which reduces their focus on applying cybersecurity protocols and makes them lax in their judgment. All these things combined can greatly increase the chance of remote employees exposing the company’s confidential files to hackers by accident.

Risks of Weak Passwords When Working From Home

In trying to bypass company networks through remote workers, hackers will try to crack the user’s passwords. It is the easiest method, and it just so happens that many people still use weak passwords, even for sensitive accounts.

The Risks of Using Personal Devices When Working From Home

In the typical office environment, employees will use computers sent by the company with current malware protection. When working at home, however, people use their laptops or smartphones. These are likely to have less than adequate IT security measures installed, like data encryption.

Making Remote Work Safer From Cybersecurity Risks

There are many benefits to working from home. If you feel this is the best strategy for your company, go for it. However, make sure that all remote processes are completely secure. This step is where we can help!

Since we are focusing on cybersecurity this quarter, we have developed a little Quiz for you and your employees to take. Not only is the Quiz fun, but it counts toward your Employee Cybersecurity Training! Access the Quiz Here!

Our cybersecurity experts can equip your company and your remote workers with the skills and technology to stay protected from malware attacks and other online threats. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive and fully customizable cybersecurity services today!

New Cybersecurity Risks: Are You Prepared?

Cybersecurity risks
Cybersecurity, Malware, Security, Technology, , , , , ,

The ongoing development of digital technology has been highly beneficial for businesses globally. Processing data is faster, reaching customers is much easier, and everything is much more efficient. But with these benefits, there is also a growing cause of concern with cybersecurity risks. Hackers have access to the same advanced tech. They have used it to their advantage to get private information.

What Are the Top Cybersecurity Risks Today?

Each year brings with it new trends in terms of online risks. If you are a business owner, stay aware of the latest threats to keep your business safe and protected. Here are some of the newest threats you should know about.

Vehicle Hacking

Many cars today come with software that makes travel more efficient and safer. It is ironic, though, that these new safety features also bring with them a different safety hazard.

With the wireless tech used in these systems, users can also become exposed to several threats. Hackers will target the most unsecured of these systems to tap into the mic or even secure control of vehicles. If you plan on using this tech, be ready with suitable cybersecurity measures to counter these threats.

Artificial Intelligence

For some time now, AI has helped to create security systems, such as face detection. But AI is also being used by hackers in this modern time. Some AI-based malware can bypass advanced security protocols and secure access to private information.

Mobile Malware Attacks

The growth of cell phones in the last decade has been amazing. Today, almost everyone owns a mobile device. Many people even have two or three that they use, not just for personal use but also for work purposes.

Naturally, hackers are taking advantage of this growth. Not only are there millions of prospective victims, but most mobile devices are not even that protected. That is why this community is a gold mine for hackers to collect your data.

Cloud Threats

The cloud is another place for new risks. There have always been strict security measures applied on clouds because they can be risky. But with the increased use of these online comes an increased risk of data leaks or unauthorized access.

Cloud apps come with security protocols. However, as a business owner, you should have your own cyber security measures in place for added protection.

Human Error

Amidst all the new cybersecurity risks, the fact remains that human error is the most common cause of data and network security issues. Even with the most advanced security measures, your company will still be at risk for attack unless you educate your employees.

Businesses must conduct training regularly for their employees. Likewise, it is wise to do constant surprise readiness checks to see how aware and prepared your staff is to handle online threats like phishing and malware attacks.

Preparation is the Best Defense Against Cybersecurity Risks

New cybersecurity risks will always appear, and there’s not much we can do about it. Make sure your business is as protected as it can be from these modern threats.

We can help your defences in multiple ways. Can set up the most secure cybersecurity system for your company. Equip you with the knowledge and skills to protect your data and network. We can train your staff. Turn them into an efficient first line of defence against any online threat.

If you are ready to take your defences to the next level, call us and we will set you up. And you can start your new Employee Training today and have everyone in your office watch our Free Cybersecurity Webinar.