It is not a surprise that cyber threats continue to persist and escalate. One cyber attack can cost thousands, and sometimes millions in damages making hacking a lucrative criminal career and security a priority.
In the past, anti-virus used to be the pinnacle for security but as technology has advanced, so too has the requirement for advanced security and protection. There are big-ticket solutions which can help to secure sophisticated environments, but nonetheless much of the ability to protect and recover from incidents comes the basics: fundamental disciplines, which are quick and easy to implement.
As a basic level of defence, all organisations should have anti-virus, firewalls, vulnerability management, patch management, secure backups and disaster recovery solutions in place, being regularly tested and adjusted. In our view, disaster recovery is a foundational element of an organisation’s resilience. It is very difficult to prevent all forms of cyber attack, and so the ability to recover quickly is crucial in limiting the impacts (costs, reputational damage and downtime) of a breach.
While many organisations understand the importance of backup, we often find that disaster recovery (DR) is overlooked or under-prioritised. It’s common to see businesses invest in backup solutions alone, believing that having copies of their data is enough. But what happens when those backups are compromised or inaccessible during a critical incident? Without a robust DR plan, the path to recovery can be slow, chaotic, and costly. The crucial difference between backup and DR - time, in the moment of crisis.
Backups are essential, but they are only part of the solution. Disaster recovery ensures business continuity when things go wrong. It’s not just about having data stored somewhere; it's about having a separate environment and a structured plan to restore systems, applications, and data quickly and effectively.
Regularly testing both backups and disaster recovery plans is crucial. The best strategies include automated backups with frequent integrity checks and well-documented, rehearsed disaster recovery protocols. Investing in a comprehensive backup and DR strategy may not seem exciting, but when disaster strikes, it can be the difference between minimal downtime and business-critical loss.
Ultimately, resilience is built on preparation. Ensuring that both backup and disaster recovery measures are fully implemented and routinely tested is the smart, cost-effective way to secure your organisation’s future.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you implement a robust backup and disaster recovery strategy that keeps your organisation safe.
