Data Recovery from Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are just as destructive to businesses, though it may be less easy to capture the damage through a lens. Hundreds of thousands of businesses in Texas and Florida have been adversely affected, and many are struggling with data loss and recovery. It is an uncomfortable time to have this discussion, but many companies across the U.S. are questioning how they plan to recover data after the next natural disaster, especially those in high-risk zones.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the devastation of natural disasters to personal property is visible. All day long, the news networks broadcast sad images of fallen cranes on high-rise condominiums, flooded homes and cars, and personal effects strewn about the streets.

Natural disasters are just as destructive to businesses, though it may be less easy to capture the damage through a lens. Hundreds of thousands of businesses in Texas and Florida have been adversely affected, and many are struggling with data loss and recovery. It is an uncomfortable time to have this discussion. Still, many companies across the U.S. are questioning how they plan to recover data after the next natural disaster, especially those in high-risk zones.

Statistics reveal a pervasive lack of preparation

A 2016 Nationwide Insurance/Harris Research study revealed that an astonishing 68% of small businesses (fewer than 300 employees) do not have a written disaster recovery plan. Forty-nine percent said it would take three months or more to recover, and they may be optimistic according to FEMA, which states that 40% of businesses never re-open after a natural disaster.

In every state, thousands of businesses are vulnerable to the most common natural disasters, including blizzards, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. If your business is in a region where these calamities have struck in the previous five years, you need a documented disaster recovery plan.

Develop a data recovery plan before disaster strikes

The key to picking up the pieces and resuming business after a disaster is writing a comprehensive data recovery plan and storing it online. Cloud-based storage of your plan enables access by authorized employees through battery-powered mobile devices that can be used during a power outage. Consider the following best practices that include steps you can put into action immediately:

Contacts and resources: Be sure you have a contact list on hand that identifies emergency staff and resources following a disaster. The list should include contact information for all staff, as well as key business contacts, clients, and customers. Define what constitutes a disaster, who declares the business to be in a state of emergency, who will be involved in data recovery, and the communication chain. Store the contact information in your plan to make it instantly accessible from any device, at any time. Companywide access to all vital contacts is essential to restore business operations quickly.

Cloud-based recovery: Working with a cloud-based business management solution that works with Crystal Reports, or at least a cloud-based data recovery solution, protects your data from physical risks to on-premise hardware. On-premise servers are vulnerable to natural disasters and fires. In contrast, cloud-based solutions, which don’t use an on-premise server, offer data restoration, often within hours or minutes of an event. These solutions also provide redundant layers of protection, automatic and frequent data backups, and higher levels of data security that would not be feasible with an on-premise solution.

Mobile devices: Leverage employees’ laptops and smartphones where appropriate to enhance the total backup infrastructure. Inform employees about the intended device functionality following an event. The designated emergency staff and other employees need to receive training to execute their responsibilities on mobile devices as part of the disaster recovery plan.

Testing: Test and review potential areas of data and business vulnerability at least twice a year. Disaster recovery plans and processes often have unexpected shortcomings, so it is best to discover and address these well before a disaster occurs. For instance, you may need to back up more data in addition to the most obvious databases and disk images. Or certain data recovery processes may need streamlining to minimize recovery time after a disaster.

Contingency plans: Notify key contacts well in advance concerning their potential roles in the plan. For example, your bank may be prepared to provide an emergency line of credit, or a neighboring business may be able to offer temporary workspaces, internet access, or other crucial resources.

Disasters are unpredictable and can strike at any time. Meanwhile, data is becoming an increasingly indispensable asset for businesses. Don’t jeopardize the future of your company; talk with your team about developing a data disaster recovery plan today.

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