With technology playing a vital role in business, the impact of natural disasters on expensive tech equipment can be devastating. 80% of businesses go into administration after a fire, for example. Even if the business does not go into administration it can take up to (on average) 18 months to fully recover. You may think you won't be affected by natural disasters, but a natural disaster includes events such as fires, power cuts, floods (including leaking pipes), storms resulting in power surges, etc.
In light of this, it's essential for businesses to be prepared for unexpected events. In this article, we will provide practical solutions on how your business can protect itself and its valuable tech assets. By taking proactive measures, you can minimise the damage and ensure your business can continue to operate smoothly during and after a natural disaster.
- Migrating IT systems into the cloud: Moving IT systems and data to the cloud provides a flexible and scalable disaster recovery solution. With cloud service providers offering highly accessible infrastructure and automatic backups, businesses can ensure their data is secure and easily recoverable in the event of a disaster. Additionally, cloud-based disaster recovery eliminates the need for physical hardware, providing cost savings and reducing recovery time.
- Backup your data & systems: One of the most crucial steps to protect your business from natural disasters is to regularly back up your data off-site and have a recovery plan in place. This will ensure that you have a copy of your important files and documents in case your devices are damaged or destroyed. A variety of methods exist for backing up your data/systems, such as a cloud-based storage service or daily off-site copies which can be accessed via secure websites or systems that your IT provider manages. It is equally important to have a plan for accessing and using the backup in the event of a disaster. This could include alternative systems or methods for accessing cloud-based data.
- Use surge protectors: Surge protectors can help protect your devices from power surges that can occur during natural disasters. These surges can damage or destroy your electronics, so it's important to use surge protectors to protect your devices.
- UPS systems: UPS batteries, or uninterruptible power supplies, provide a reliable backup power source for devices during power outages. They are essential pieces of equipment for businesses to protect their technology and data from unexpected power loss. UPS batteries are good to have to ensure the essential saving of files, correct shutdown procedures for servers & enough time to check any other equipment that may be essential.
Overall, it's always better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Strategies such as having offsite backups (including cloud), using surge protectors, and having a plan in place, can help protect your tech from the damage caused by natural and man-made disasters. Disaster recovery is tailored to your business needs so that you are focusing on the highest priorities and areas of weakness.