Disaster Recovery for Business: Are You Ready for a Worst-Case Scenario?

By Jared Hardware , UDT Account Executive

Hey there, LinkedIn community, Jared here from UDT! With the hurricane season ending, I’ve been talking to a lot of businesses about the importance of being prepared not just for the physical impact but also for keeping digital operations running smoothly. At UDT, our focus is helping companies stay resilient, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned of an especially active season, and that forecast has held true. If your business doesn’t already have a solid Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), Business Continuity Plan (BCP), or combined BCDR plan in place, it’s time to make one. It’s all about making sure your organization can keep supporting employees, clients, and your local community, even in difficult times.

Why Your Digital Infrastructure Deserves Just as Much Attention

When people think of hurricane prep, they often think about reinforcing buildings or putting up flood barriers. Those things matter, but your IT systems and data are just as crucial to keeping things running smoothly. Imagine the impact of power outages, flooding, or communication breakdowns on your day-to-day business operations. These issues can hit hard, but by protecting your digital infrastructure, you’re setting yourself up to bounce back faster.

Here are some key steps I usually recommend:

Practical Steps to Safeguard Your IT Systems

Preparation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At UDT, we recommend that businesses put practical, layered plans in place that make a real difference when challenges arise. Here’s a breakdown of some effective strategies:

• Disaster Recovery Planning: Start by creating a plan that outlines how you’ll back up data, restore systems, and keep things running. It can sound intimidating, but it boils down to asking, “What’s essential, and how do we protect it?” Then, practice the plan with your team, so everyone knows their role when it’s go-time.
• Data Backup and Redundancy: Make regular data backups and keep copies somewhere safe (meaning offsite). This way, even if a storm takes out your main systems, you’ll have a backup to fall back on. It’s a lifesaver when every minute counts.
• Cloud Solutions: Using cloud-based services can add a layer of security and flexibility. Many cloud providers have data centers in different areas, so even if one location is hit, your data and operations can stay accessible. It’s all about peace of mind!
• Physical Security for Onsite Equipment: For the tech you have onsite, like servers and PCs, physical protections—like sandbags, secure buildings, and backup generators—are smart moves.
• Cybersecurity Measures: Post-disaster chaos can be a prime time for cyberattacks. Simple steps like enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) and keeping software up to date can make a huge difference in protecting your data.

Steps to Get Back on Track Quickly

When the dust settles after a storm, the goal is to get up and running fast. The faster you’re back online, the faster you can support your customers and reassure your team. Here are some steps that help make a swift recovery possible:

• Assess the Damage: Look at what’s been affected, from servers to buildings. Knowing where to focus your energy makes the process much smoother.
• Activate Your Recovery Plan: Follow your DRP to restore data, reopen communication lines, and get operations back on track. A clear plan means you’re not scrambling to figure out next steps in the middle of a crisis.
• Keep Customers in the Loop: When people are waiting for services to come back online, good communication goes a long way. Update customers on your website, social media, or via email to keep them informed.
• Lean on Your Tech Partners: At UDT, we’re here for you. Partnering up during times like these makes all the difference—whether it’s troubleshooting, coordinating, or just having that extra support.
• Review and Improve: After things calm down, take a step back to review what worked well and what didn’t. Every experience helps us get better prepared for the future.

Be Ready to Weather the Storm

At the end of the day, disaster recovery isn’t just about keeping your systems running—it’s about being able to keep your commitment to your employees, your customers, and your community. If you’re looking to boost your disaster recovery strategy, reach out! Let’s work together to ensure that when disaster strikes, you’re ready to respond and keep your business strong.