Hurricane Helene spotlights need for better business data defenses

Quick Recap: Recent hurricanes, like Helene, have shown how quickly natural disasters can disrupt businesses. FEMA reports that 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation, and another 25% fail within one year.

Before, During, and After: While personal safety is paramount, business owners must also prioritize protecting critical data to ensure recovery post-disaster, says Mike Fitzpatrick, CEO of NCX Group. He shared key steps to help businesses remain resilient through the storm.

Before the Disaster: Plan and Prepare

• Backup Data in Multiple Locations: Ensure critical business data is securely backed up both on-premises and in the cloud.
• Create a Business Continuity Plan: Have a clear roadmap to maintain operations, even if your primary infrastructure is compromised.
• Strengthen Cybersecurity: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and virtual private networks (VPNs) to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting the chaos.

During the Disaster: Activate Protocols

• Disaster Recovery Protocols: Immediately activate recovery plans, including relocating staff and ensuring backup systems remain online.
• Monitor Cyber Threats: Cyberattacks often increase during disasters. Be vigilant against phishing and ransomware attempts.

After the Disaster: Recover and Learn

• Assess Damage: Prioritize restoring systems and data from backups. Confirm the integrity of restored data.
• Audit and Improve: Review your disaster recovery plan and make adjustments based on what worked and what didn’t.

The Bottom Line: Preparation is everything. Back up your data, secure your systems, and have a clear recovery plan in place to protect your business from unexpected disasters. Whether it's a hurricane or a cyberattack, your ability to respond quickly will determine how well your company weathers the storm.