Top 10 Reasons You Need a Disaster Recovery Plan
Most executives consider a disaster a hurricane, tornado, flood or earthquake. The truth is a disaster is any event that prevents your business from accessing the data and systems it needs to operate, including regional power outages, cyber attacks, employee sabotage and hardware failure. Every company faces the risk of IT interruptions that can grind business to a halt.
Downtime and lost data can ruin the reputation of your business, brand and productivity, diminish trust that can result in lost revenue, yet only 35% of small and medium sized enterprises have a DRP in place.
Listed here are 10 reasons your business should have a Disaster Recovery Plan.
1. Mother Nature is unpredictable.
Natural disasters have cost the global economy around $2.5 Trillion since 2000. Almost every area of Australia is subject to some sort of natural disaster. You shouldn’t leave your businesses’ well-being up to chance.
2. Machines break.
You can buy the best equipment on the market but that does not safe guard you from malfunctions, lemons and breaks. 99% of IT professionals have experienced a hardware failure.
3. You can’t afford downtime.
Many businesses experience a disaster (destruction, fire, floods etc.) at some point, and many of those businesses will go under in just over a year. Lost revenue and crippling effects of data loss can be the final straw for many.
4. Your customers and prospects expect it.
In a switched on business world, your customers expect to have access 24/7. Downtime means a lack of availability to your customers and a loss of business in the immediate and possibly long term.
5. Because you spent a lot of time and money building your brand, you need to protect it.
Downtime and lost data can ruin reputation, brand and diminish trust that can result in lost revenue, yet only 35% of small and medium sized enterprises have a DRP in place. Are you rolling the dice with your brand?
6. We live in an always on world that requires ‘always on’ capabilities.
72% of web users report abandoning a company website for a competitor’s due to frustrations with the site.
When a website goes down, online shoppers are not willing to wait for the unknown time at which the site will be back online.
If you aren’t protecting your internet and network you leave the door wide open for your competitors.
7. Compliance and regulations require it.
65% of companies need to produce DR reports for things such as compliance.
Disaster Recovery helps safeguarding data required by HIPAA regulations regarding record keeping & BIA (business impact analysis).
8. Because you can’t predict what data might be lost and the value it had for your company’s well-being.
43% of companies were immediately put out of business by a “major loss” of computer records, and another 51% permanently closed their doors within two years – leaving a mere six percent
“survival” rate.
9. It will save you money.
Are you running duplicate sites, multiple servers, all to ensure if something happens to one you have another?
Consider the cost savings by implementing virtual machines that can recover data in case of disaster. Before virtualization, disaster recovery would have cost at least three times as much because an organization needed to have multiple data centers, specialized software and large network connections.
10. We’re all human.
Humans make mistakes. 80% of unplanned outages are due to untested and ill-planned changes made by administrators and 60% of availability and performance errors are the result of misconfigurations.
Will your business survive a disaster?
We can help put a Recovery plan in place for your data.
Managed I.T. Services
Can your Business Recover from Disaster?
Businesses use information technology to quickly and effectively process information. Employees use electronic mail and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) telephone systems to communicate. Electronic data interchange (EDI) is used to transmit data including orders and payments from one company to another.
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What happens when this data is lost due to a flood or error?
Share your experiences
We encourage you to leave your comments below. Have you been affected by floods or natural disasters which left you without your data?
Cybersecurity Audits: Safeguarding Your Business
In today’s interconnected world, where businesses rely heavily on digital technology, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Cyberattacks are on the rise, and businesses of all sizes are potential targets. As a business owner, protecting your digital assets is paramount, and one essential tool in your cybersecurity arsenal is the cybersecurity audit. In this article, we’ll demystify cybersecurity audits, explain why they’re crucial, and offer practical insights for non-technical business owners.
What Is a Cybersecurity Audit?
A cybersecurity audit is like a health checkup for your business’s digital infrastructure. It’s a systematic assessment of your IT systems, networks, and processes to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and ensure that security measures are in place and effective. Think of it as a preventive measure to safeguard your business against cyber threats.
Why Are Cybersecurity Audits Important for Your Business?
Identifying Vulnerabilities
Audits uncover weaknesses in your digital defences, such as outdated software, misconfigured settings, or inadequate access controls.
Risk Assessment
Audits uncover weaknesses in your digital defences, such as outdated software, misconfigured settings, or inadequate access controls.
Regulatory Compliance
Many industries have specific cybersecurity requirements. Audits ensure you comply with relevant regulations, preventing costly fines.
Data Protection
If your business stores customer data, an audit ensures it’s handled securely, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Business Continuity
Audits help you create robust disaster recovery plans, ensuring your business can continue operating even after a cyber incident.
Our Latest Cybersecurity Resources
The Cybersecurity Audit Process
Now, let’s break down the cybersecurity audit process into simple steps:
Define Objectives
Start by setting clear goals for the audit. What are you trying to achieve? Identify critical assets, like customer data or financial records, that need protection.
Select an Auditor
Choose a reputable cybersecurity firm or expert to conduct the audit. They should have experience in your industry and understand your specific needs.
Assessment
The auditor will examine your IT systems, networks, and policies. This includes checking for software updates, firewall configurations, and user access controls.
Identify Vulnerabilities
The auditor will uncover vulnerabilities or weaknesses in your digital infrastructure. They’ll prioritise these vulnerabilities based on the potential risks they pose.
Risk Assessment
Assess the potential impact of these vulnerabilities on your business. This step helps you understand which risks require immediate attention.
Recommendations
The auditor will provide recommendations for improving your cybersecurity posture. These may include software updates, stronger passwords, or employee training.
Implementation
Act on the recommendations to address vulnerabilities and improve security. This might involve software updates, policy changes, or security awareness training for your staff.
Ongoing Monitoring
Cyber threats evolve, so regular audits are essential. Consider scheduling annual audits to stay ahead of emerging risks.
Benefits of a Cybersecurity Audit for Business Owners
Peace of Mind
Knowing your digital assets are secure provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Cost Savings
Detecting and addressing vulnerabilities early can prevent costly data breaches or downtime.
Compliance
Audits help you stay compliant with industry regulations, avoiding potential legal issues.
Customer Trust
Demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity builds trust with customers, enhancing your reputation.
Business Resilience
Being prepared for cyber incidents ensures your business can recover quickly, minimising disruption.
With cybercrime on the rise, cybersecurity audits are not just for tech experts; they’re a vital tool for all business owners. They help you identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and take proactive steps to protect your business from cyber threats.
Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. Regular audits and continuous improvements are key to staying one step ahead of cybercriminals. By investing in cybersecurity audits, you’re not just protecting your business; you’re securing its future in the digital age.
Ready to Secure Your Business with a Cybersecurity Audit?
At KeyTech, we understand the importance of safeguarding your business in today’s digital landscape. Our team of experts specialises in cybersecurity audits tailored to your unique needs. With years of industry experience, we can help you identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and implement robust security measures to protect your digital assets.
Why Choose KeyTech for Your Cybersecurity Audit:
Expertise
Our team comprises of professionals who have a deep understanding of cybersecurity across various industries.
Tailored Solutions
We customise our audits to align with your business objectives and industry-specific requirements.
Comprehensive Assessment
KeyTech’s audits cover all aspects of your digital infrastructure, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
Actionable Recommendations
We provide clear, practical recommendations to enhance your cybersecurity posture.
Interested in learning more about protecting your business from social media risks?
Explore our comprehensive guide on ‘Top 6 Social Media Risks Threatening Your Business Success‘ to gain valuable insights and strategies for safeguarding your online presence. Together, let’s fortify your business against digital threats in the ever-evolving cyber landscape.
Ongoing Support
Our commitment doesn’t end with the audit. We offer continuous support to keep your defences strong.
Don’t leave your business vulnerable to cyber threats. Contact KeyTech today to schedule a cybersecurity audit and fortify your digital fortress.
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