Disaster Recovery: What Happens When It All Goes Down

Issues arise every day in the office. Emails go to spam, meetings run late, and files are misplaced. But one of the biggest mishaps that can occur in the workplace is a hacker disrupting your system. As technology advances, businesses must adapt and understand the structures needed to deter system failure. Businesses must have concrete strategies to save data and recover from hackers. Here’s the low-down on disaster recovery.

HOW IT STARTS
Unfortunately, hackers are always on the job. They’re actively seeking to hinder your business and work day. In fact, there’s a hacker attack every 39 seconds. Hackers disguise themselves strategically in order to steal your passwords and access your hard drive and sensitive data. If you understand the signs when your system has been hacked, then your computer will react faster in order to take necessary action.

In a report from the IT Disaster Recovery Preparedness Council, an hour of downtime can cost as much as $8,000 for small companies, up to $74,000 for midsize companies and up to $700,000 for large enterprises. This is valuable time and money that disaster recovery software is programmed to save. You, however, must take action too. First, you should backup your files and data constantly.

Your backup copies should not only be kept onsite but also on another hard drive in case your data is destroyed during a hack. Using the cloud is a safe way to protect data so that it is never lost completely. Additionally, over 80% of cyber security attacks occur and begin because individuals do not frequently change their passwords. By changing your password every six months to a year, you eliminate one of the potential ways hackers can enter.

Luckily, computers have built-in disaster recovery so they can take action too. Disaster recovery plans outline the process to restore normal operation to a computer after a virus has occurred. Computers can easily detect viruses or pop ups from your browser that indicate you’ve been hacked. When hacking is caught, disaster recovery is initiated immediately.

TAKING ACTION
When disaster recovery begins, your computer automatically makes necessary software updates. These updates occur throughout your network settings in order to identify exactly where the virus has taken over and where your system has failed. Once the problem site is identified, the application is replicated in order to recover data.

Disaster recovery ensures that issues have been resolved so that users feel secure using their technology. Software is used in order to identify gaps and vulnerabilities in your business’ IT development. Programs like this are the first line of defense for you and your data.

DON’T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN
Although disaster recovery works in order to deter disruption from happening again, you must fight back. Once you’ve been hacked, turn on two-factor authentication. This service proves that you know both your username and password as well as have access to a linked device like a mobile phone. It is another line of trust you are building between yourself and your computer.

Next, you should contact your friends and family to let them know you have been hacked. Hackers will get in touch with your personal contacts in order to retrieve their sensitive information. For example, the hacker could email your mom and ask for her credit card information as yours has been stolen and you need to make an important purchase. If you’re not transparent about your disruption, a ripple effect of cyber-attacks will occur. Lastly, check your bank statements as the main reason for hacking is to steal your financial information.

Hackers will always be a threat to your business and it’s essential for you to understand how they get in based on your actions. Now that you’re more educated on protecting your data and taking proper steps to avert hackers, your business and personal information will be more secure.