Why Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Plans Are Necessary for Your Business

A Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning Prevents the Unthinkable

Discover what data backup and disaster recovery services provide and why they are critical for your business to stay up and running soon after a crisis strikes.

Backup and disaster recovery (BDR) is an important service to obtain, no matter how large your business. To ensure business continuity amid a natural or manmade disaster, data backup and disaster recovery are essential.

Unfortunately, many small- and medium-sized businesses are unprepared for the impact of a natural disaster or other data loss. According to the 2019 SMB Cyberthreat Study, 60 percent of respondents do not have a cybersecurity plan and 66 percent do not believe a cyberattack is likely.

“Businesses face a vulnerability crisis when it comes to cybercriminals, and this reality won’t get better until cybersecurity gets higher billing on their to-do list,” said Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder of Keeper, which conducted the study.

Here’s a closer look at what BDR is and why it’s necessary.

What Is Backup and Disaster Recovery?

Data backup and disaster recovery are critical components of a layered IT security strategy. Usually provided by a managed services provider, these services are the best defense when the unthinkable strikes, whether it’s a cyberattack, power failure or weather incident. Data backups store your data in offsite, either in the cloud or in a separate server. Disaster recovery is the process in which those files are restored to your systems.

Why Does My Business Need A Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan?

Having a backup and disaster recovery plan in multiple ways, including:

• Business Viability. The loss of data and operations can be catastrophic, as customers and consumers are likely to look elsewhere if they cannot find what your business provides. Even delays of minutes can cost thousands of dollars in lost revenue and customer loyalty.
• Reputation Lost. Data breaches can be disastrous for companies, quickly eroding trust and confidence that can take years to regain.
• Maintaining Client Data. Your clients expect you to keep their data safe. Compromising confidential data, including personal and financial records, can lead to the loss of business and legal troubles.
• Regulatory Compliance. Many industries and government agencies mandate that companies have a proven, documented and tested business continuity plan in place. To do business and avoid penalties, companies need to show that their backup and disaster recovery plan meets certain standards.

What’s Included in a BDR Solution?

A BDR solution from your managed IT services provider should include the following:

• Hardware compatibility across all your endpoint devices
• Customer service that’s available 24x7x365
• Cloud redundancy
• A proven recovery time objective (RTO) that is measured in minutes, not hours or days
• Predictable, monthly cost
• Scalability to expand or contract data covered as your business evolves

How Does the Cloud Factor into BDR?

The cloud plays a critical role in BDR. Real-time cloud-based data storage means your data is backed up and stored in multiple, distributed locations around the world. When disaster strikes, it can be recovered from multiple cloud locations. Your data remains safe even if your physical location is compromised and your staff can access data from any device with a working internet connection.

At BlueHat Cyber we specialize in security solutions that keep data protected. Our cybersecurity consulting ensures your business gets a customized solution that meets your unique business needs. Learn more by scheduling a free IT consultation today.