A fact in life and business is things happen beyond our control. The best we can do is have a plan for the unexpected. Not only is it important to have proper insurance but we also need to have a game plan for how to survive while the check is being cut.
In business it is called having a contingency plan. More specifically business continuity planning steps need to take place at the point a business becomes operational.
What is business continuity? Understanding this will help your business survive after a major disaster. The proper protocols will be in place and people will know their assigned duties and positions.
Are you looking to learn more about what to do when your business is interrupted due to no fault of your own? Keep reading to learn what business continuity means and why it matters.
What Is Needed for Business Continuity?
Business continuity requires a written document that outlines a business's disaster recovery plan. The plan covers the roles and responsibilities of key individuals in getting the company back up and running.
What Does the Plan Cover?
The plan covers areas of the business operations that are critical to performance. These include:
- Servers
- Client and Company Data
- Computers
- IT Infrastructure
Once your IT department assesses the damage key players will direct the recovery efforts. The following are ways your infrastructure can be impacted.
Intentional or Unintentional Human Behavior
Sometimes employees can cause damage to your systems unknowingly. Other times the breach can be intentional.
It is important to have safeguards in place that limit access to protocols that can bring your operations to a halt. This is where cybersecurity is key and access levels come into play.
Natural Disaster
Natural catastrophes are uncontrollable. In cases of hurricanes businesses have some time to prepare but can still have significant damage. Disasters caused by fires or flooding are often unforeseen
Network Corruption
Sometimes data becomes corrupt. It can be caused by a glitch in systems. Other times it is malicious viruses that affect your systems.
Security Breaches
Security breaches often occur when data is compromised or stolen. Your contingency plan has to cover an immediate response to secure the data and assess the intent.
Consequences of Not Being Prepared
The consequences of not having business continuity planning steps are that you will not be prepared to get your business back up and running. Customers will be negatively impacted beyond the extent of the damage.
In cases of security breaches you could risk penalties and lawsuits by business partners and clients.
What is Business Continuity? Now You Know!
What is business continuity? Now that you know it's time to make sure your business is protected. You do not want to be unprepared in case of a disaster.
We are here to help you with business continuity and disaster recovery plans. Contact us today with questions and to learn more about our services.
