There is no single IT system that is 100 percent secure. Hackers are becoming increasingly creative, and this poses a security risk to many companies. Employees send and receive emails daily, and the risk of opening an email with malware is high. We are also moving towards a cashless society, and this opens various networks to money laundering claims.
As you create an IT infrastructure, it is paramount that you also put into place IT disaster recovery strategies. This measures will protect your organization should you wake up one day and find out that most of your data has been corrupted.
Data recovery
We are moving into a paperless economy. Many companies have large volumes of data stored in servers. These data is crucial for the normal operation of a business. Should you experience a hacking attack, or lose data due to human error or fires your company can be sent back to the Stone Age. Having a solid plan for backing up data should be at the forefront of any IT recovery plan.
The first part in data recovery is deciding what needs to be backed up. You can begin with important information on the employee laptops and office desktops. Back up can also include any physical records that are crucial for the smooth running of the company. Create a separate backup for your servers. For the physical copies, you can scan them and add them to your digital files. Ensure that your network connection is secure before backing up data. With a list of best VPNs for Australia, the company’s top management can select a service provider based on their unique needs and budget.
The next step in data recovery is to decide where to back up your data. You can use cartridges, hard disks, USB or cloud. The frequency of backups will determine the form of backup that you choose. Your backup materials should be stored safely and checked frequently for any malware.
Analysis of potential threats
As you prepare your disaster recovery strategy, you will need to consider all potential threats that can afflict your business. If you are in a place prone to natural elements like fire and floods, then you need to create data backup storerooms that are strong enough to withstand these elements. You should also stimulate worse case scenarios; if your primary data center in New York, for example, is attacked by hackers what would be your next course of action. Your scenarios should also look into all legal, business and financial repercussions should a cyber-attack occur and paralyze your operations.
Physical strategies
The first part of having a data recovery plan is to ensure that there is a backup person for certain essential skills in the company. You should ask yourself what happens should a particular vital employee fall sick. This means that you should have documentation for passwords of crucial employees in the organization.
The area that you choose to have your backup servers should not be on the same site with the main business. Should your office building burn down or be destroyed by floods you still have a way of starting again. You can contract third-parties for this. Your employees should carry staff IDs when accessing the site. You can incorporate biometrics to secure your server. Regularly change passwords to prevent any cases of identity theft.
The area that you place your servers should be well ventilated with air-conditioners. You should have backup generators to carter for blackouts. You should continuously train your IT staff on how to implement data recovery should your servers get destroyed.
Data recovery policies
Senior management should come up with data recovery policies. They should state what happens when there is a breach in server security, who is responsible for recovery efforts and how to carry on with business as the recovery process continues. The policies should detail the recovery process step by step. Management should then carry out regular drills so that data recovery is ingrained in the employee’s mind.
Present plan to investors and owners
Once you have developed your data recovery plan and having tested it the next step is to present this plan to investors and owners. This is to alleviate any concerns that they may have. Once you have presented your policies to them, you need to listen to their feedback and concerns. If their concerns are valid to revise your recovery plans and present it to your next board of directors meeting. Investors help calm the public when there is an attack on the company’s servers.
Reduce overall risk
As you prepare your data recovery plan, you need to look at any potential loopholes that can be exploited by hackers. When you experience a disaster, the first thing you need is to get back to normal as soon as possible. The more you remain in the dark, the more customers and money that you lose. Some organizations will hire hackers to check vulnerabilities in their systems. While this can work be careful that the hackers do not turn their back against you. There are professional IT security companies that can check for loopholes for your organization.
Comply with state regulations
Other state bodies often regulate industries, and you need to find out whether there are any stipulated data recovery policies that you must comply with. The banking and financial sector is heavily regulated because of the sensitivity of the data that they hold. A breach in security in a big bank can have a catastrophic effect on the economy and put a country financial situation at risk. Once you have come up with your data recovery policies, it is wise that you submit them to the relevant regulatory bodies for approval.
Conclusion
A data recovery plan helps a company to continue with its day to day operations should there be a security breach. Preparing this plan should involve the input of all stakeholders – investors, management, suppliers and IT experts. Regularly evaluate any loopholes and find ways to seal them. An organization should carry out security drills so that employees are aware of what is required of them when there is a security breach.
Related Posts
