Hurricane Milton serves as a reminder for the need for businesses to have a solid disaster recovery plan in place. Natural disasters like hurricanes can wreak havoc on a company’s IT infrastructure, making it difficult, if not impossible, to resume normal operations without adequate preparation. Recent reports indicate that a staggering 43% of small businesses fail to reopen after a disaster, underscoring the urgency of being prepared.
Many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized ones, either lack a disaster recovery plan or have one that remains untested. According to experts, the key to survival is not only having a plan in place but also understanding the level of downtime and data loss your organization can tolerate. Even if a full plan isn’t feasible right before a storm, there are last-minute steps that can make a huge difference.
Essential Steps for IT Protection During a Hurricane
Backup Your Data and Test Restores
One of the most critical steps in disaster preparedness is ensuring that your data is backed up and accessible. Many businesses outsource their IT services, so it’s essential to confirm that backups are current and functional. Testing restore capabilities is a crucial part of this process.
Create an Emergency Communication Plan
ffective communication with employees, consultants, and vendors is key to maintaining business continuity during a disaster. Ensure that critical contact information, account numbers, and vendor details are printed and readily accessible in case digital records become unavailable.
Secure Remote Access for Remote Workers
In the event of a hurricane, many employees may need to work remotely. It’s important to ensure that their access to your systems is secure, especially since they may be relying on unsecured internet connections. Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and more advanced Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions provide the layers of protection necessary to maintain security during a storm.
Safeguard Physical Equipment
If possible, power down and unplug servers and workstations before the storm hits. This can help prevent damage from power surges or water exposure. Consulting with IT professionals before turning systems back on after the storm is also crucial if equipment has been damaged.
Use VoIP Phone Systems for Flexibility
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems provide a reliable way to keep communication lines open, even if employees are displaced or working from home. Calls can be made through internet connections, ensuring that business operations, like customer support, can continue uninterrupted.
CSG Technologies specializes in delivering comprehensive IT solutions to protect your business, especially during and after natural disasters like Hurricane Milton. As a Managed Service Provider (MSP) with expertise in Cloud Services, Cybersecurity, Network Management, and IT Infrastructure, CSG Technologies is uniquely equipped to help businesses weather the storm.
Here’s how we can assist:
- Disaster Recovery Planning: We work with businesses to develop and test disaster recovery plans that minimize downtime and ensure data availability.
- Secure Cloud Backups: With cloud-based backups, we provide peace of mind knowing your critical data is stored offsite, accessible, and safe from disaster.
- 24/7 Monitoring and Support: Our team offers round-the-clock support and monitoring to quickly address any issues that arise, helping you resume operations swiftly after a disaster.
- Cybersecurity Solutions: We implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect your business from digital threats that often increase during times of crisis, including ransomware and phishing attempts.
Let CSG Technologies be your partner in keeping your business running, even when nature has other plans. With our support, you can focus on your recovery knowing that your IT infrastructure is in good hands.
Partner with us to Stay safe and be prepared for any disaster!
