07/02/2018
Business Continuity – Planning for a Disaster
So Comcast had a nationwide outage on Friday killing the Internet and phone service for many of its customers. While Comcast blamed an affiliate contractor for the issue, it really doesn't matter. Too many Comcast customers had their service disrupted. But for those of us in the IT and Security business, this sends the message of just how completely reliant we are on the Internet. If you have your business applications and data in the cloud, you were completely dead in the water. If you had an on-premise server you could still work on documents until your service was restored.
Now imagine that your business had a ransomware attack or a fire or a flood or the myriad other calamities just waiting to ruin your day... or your company. This makes the Comcast outage seem quite tame compared to losing access for days or even weeks.
How to Prepare for a Disaster
While you may think you have no control over your Internet provider killing your connection or a virus, ransomware or physical disaster disrupting your business there are steps you may take to mitigate a disaster.
1. Have a backup Internet connection. One option is a 4G connection (like on your cell phone) which can be implemented to provide a backup connection. A second Internet account with a competing provider will also work.
2. Your Security Stack - While anti-virus software is essential, it is nowhere near enough to provide enough protection from hacking, ransomware, phishing campaigns or employee vandalism. Your Security Stack should contain DNS level protection, a top level firewall, email and spam filtering, anti-virus software, anti-malware software, backup upon backup upon backup of your data and employee training.
3. The IT/Security team. The "computer guy" who used to be OK to fix your printer connection or setup a new workstation just won't cut it any longer. You need the IT/Security team that is passionate about keeping up with the daily threats to your business. You need the team that has the knowledge, tools and skills to keep you protected. While the "computer guy" is home at the end of the day playing video games on his Xbox, your IT/Security professional is wide awake making sure that your network is secure and your valuable data is safe.
4. Communication – Too many IT "professionals" configure a network and move on. Network security is not a one-and-done proposition. The tools and systems implemented last year (or even last month)may no longer be working to protect you (the folks who make the tools for protection get complacent as well!) and IT must know when it is time to change vendors or tactics. Have regular meetings with your IT team discuss any challenges or changing needs so everyone is on the same page when it comes to keeping your business safe.
Business Continuity is a plan developed in coordination with your IT/Security partner to specifically address these issues. Business Continuity is more than a document... it is a cohesive, coordinated system to keep your business in business.
For more information on how you can protect your business and survive an unexpected disruptive event give a call or send us an email and we'll start the conversation.
Business Software Solutions 408-309-3700 [email protected]
