Why the Animal Care Industry Needs a Robust Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan
Every industry, from finance to healthcare, requires a steadfast approach to securing operations. The animal care industry, which plays a critical role in ensuring the welfare and health of our beloved animals, is no exception. As an IT company, we cannot stress enough the significance of having a Business Continuity and Disaster recovery plan for your animal care establishment. Here's why the animal care industry needs a robust Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plan.
Dependence on Digital Systems is Growing
From patient records to billing, scheduling to procurement – modern animal care facilities increasingly rely on digital tools and software. The loss of such devices, even temporarily, can cripple operations and jeopardize animal care.
Natural Disasters Can Strike Anytime
Hurricanes, floods, fires, or earthquakes can have a devastating effect on physical infrastructures. In the blink of an eye, a facility can be rendered inoperable, placing the animals and the business at risk.
Cyber Threats Are Real
The digital age brings the risk of cyber-attacks, data breaches, and ransomware. Protecting sensitive data is not just a legal obligation but is critical for maintaining the trust of your clients and stakeholders.
Steps to Create a Robust Continuity and Recovery Plan
Risk Assessment
Begin by identifying potential threats – both digital and physical. Understand the vulnerabilities of your existing system. This could range from unprotected patient data to a lack of backup power solutions.
Prioritize Critical Functions
Not all functions are of equal importance. Prioritizing will help ensure that the most critical operations are restored first during an outage or disaster.
Develop a Communication Plan
During a crisis, effective communication is vital. Whether it's to notify staff about operational changes or inform clients about the status of their animals, a communication strategy will keep everyone in the loop.
Data Backup and Recovery
Digital data should be backed up regularly, both onsite and offsite. Consider cloud solutions for added redundancy. Regularly test your backups to ensure they can be restored quickly when needed.
Physical Infrastructure Protections
For those in areas prone to natural disasters, think about structural reinforcements or relocation options. Invest in backup power solutions to keep critical systems running during power outages.
Train Your Team
Everyone should know their role during a crisis. Regularly review and rehearse the plan with your team to prepare them to act swiftly and decisively.
Review and Update Your Plan
A continuity and disaster recovery plan is more than just a one-and-done deal. As your business grows and evolves, so should your plan. Regularly review, test, and refine your strategies.
In the animal care industry, we deal with lives that depend on our timely and effective care. Just as we wouldn't compromise on the quality of medical tools or facilities, we shouldn't compromise on the systems that underpin our operations. Remember, it's not just about protecting your business; it's about ensuring that no matter what, our furry friends are always taken care of. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help your practice build a sureproof Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plan, please click here.
The Growing Importance of Mobile Security
Mobile devices – smartphones, tablets, and even wearable gadgets – have become indispensable in our daily lives. They contain our personal information, banking details, work emails, etc. This immense storage of sensitive data makes them a prime target for cyberattacks. Hence, the increasing emphasis on mobile security is not just a trend but an essential component in our technologically advanced society. Let's delve into the growing importance of mobile security and provide some critical pointers on staying secure in this mobile age.
Rise in Mobile Device Usage
With the proliferation of smartphones and other mobile devices, there has been an exponential rise in the amount of data being stored and accessed via these devices. Whether for work, social networking, banking, or entertainment, the convenience of accessing everything on the go is unparalleled. This dependency has made securing these devices more crucial than ever before.
Increase in Mobile-based Threats
With increased usage comes increased risks. Cybercriminals continually evolve strategies, and mobile devices have become a hotspot for attacks. These can range from malicious apps, phishing attempts, and unsecured Wi-Fi networks to sophisticated malware targeting mobile operating systems.
Mobile Banking and E-commerce
Online shopping and banking have made our lives considerably more comfortable. However, they've also made our mobile devices a treasure trove of financial information. This information can easily fall into the wrong hands if not properly secured.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Many companies have adopted a BYOD policy, where employees use their devices for work-related tasks. While this does offer flexibility and cost savings, it also means that the company's data can be at risk if an employee's device is compromised.
Emerging Technologies
New technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) mean more interconnected devices. A vulnerability in one device can expose an entire network to threats.
Tips for Ensuring Mobile Security:
Regular Updates:
Always keep your mobile operating system and apps updated. These updates often include security patches for known vulnerabilities.
Download Wisely:
Only download apps from official app stores and be cautious of permissions an app requests.
Use Strong Passwords:
This may sound like a no-brainer, but using strong and unique passwords for your devices and accounts is a simple yet effective way to enhance security.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Use 2FA for your accounts whenever possible. This provides an extra layer of security beyond just a password. To understand more about 2FA please read our blog post here.
Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi:
Public networks can be unsecured, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept data. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when accessing sensitive information on public networks. To understand the critical importance of a VPN when using public Wi-Fi, please read our blog post here.
Regular Backups:
Regularly back up your device's data. If your device is compromised, you won't lose all your valuable information.
Stay Informed:
Knowledge is power. Staying updated about the latest mobile threats and security measures can help you be prepared.
As the digital landscape evolves, so does the importance of mobile security. Being proactive, staying informed, and taking basic preventive measures can go a long way in ensuring that your mobile experiences remain safe and enjoyable. Remember, in the age of mobility, security isn't just a consideration—it's a necessity.
What Is Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery and Why It Is Important For Your Business
In today's fast-paced and interconnected business landscape, small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. They are agile, innovative, and essential drivers of growth. However, they also face unique challenges, particularly in safeguarding their operations against unforeseen disasters and disruptions. That's where Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery come into play. In this blog post, we will ask what Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery are and why it is essential for your business. These concepts are vital for small businesses and how they can ensure the survival and prosperity of your venture.
Understanding Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) are strategic processes designed to ensure that a company can continue to operate or recover swiftly in the face of unexpected events. These events can range from natural disasters like floods, fires, and earthquakes to technological disruptions like cyberattacks, hardware failures, or data breaches.
The Importance of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery for Small Businesses
Minimizing Downtime:
Downtime can be catastrophic for small businesses, leading to significant financial losses and eroding customer trust. BCDR strategies minimize downtime by establishing plans that allow for a quick recovery of essential operations.
Protecting Data and Assets:
Small businesses often need more resources, making them potential cyberattack targets. A robust BCDR plan ensures that critical data is backed up and can be restored, protecting sensitive information and intellectual property.
Meeting Regulatory Requirements:
Many industries have specific regulatory requirements for data protection and business continuity. Non-compliance can result in fines, legal issues, and reputational damage. Implementing BCDR measures helps small businesses stay compliant.
Preserving Reputation:
Small businesses rely heavily on reputation and customer relationships. A well-executed BCDR plan ensures that the company can maintain its commitments to clients and partners, even during challenging times, preserving its reputation.
Securing Business Growth:
A small business that demonstrates its ability to handle unexpected disruptions is more attractive to investors and partners. A comprehensive BCDR strategy can open doors to growth opportunities.
Getting Started
Creating an effective BCDR plan involves several key steps:
Assessment:
Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities specific to your business. What are the most critical processes and data that need protection?
Planning:
Develop a detailed plan outlining how your business will respond to different scenarios. Assign roles and responsibilities, and establish communication protocols.
Implementation:
Implement the plan with backup systems, data recovery mechanisms, and necessary security measures.
Testing:
Regularly test your BCDR plan to ensure it works as intended. This includes testing data restoration, employee training, and communication procedures.
Continuous Improvement:
Adapt your plan as your business evolves, technology changes or new risks emerge.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery are not just "nice-to-haves" for small businesses; they are essential for survival in today's unpredictable world. Investing time and resources into developing a solid BCDR strategy protects your business and secures its future, enabling growth and fostering trust with your customers and partners. Don't wait until disaster strikes – act now to build a resilient and thriving business.
Contact our Disaster Recovery Specialists here if you want to get started on your business's BCDR plan. They can help you create an effective strategy for your business right away.
Essential Cybersecurity Practices for Remote Workers
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed how we work, with remote work becoming the new norm for many organizations. While remote work offers numerous benefits, it also brings its fair share of cybersecurity challenges. As more employees access sensitive company information and systems from home, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity practices to safeguard their digital landscape. Let's explore essential cybersecurity practices for remote workers, helping businesses maintain robust security in an increasingly virtual work environment.
Strengthen Password Security:
Strong passwords are the first line of defense against cyber threats. Remote workers must adopt good password practices, such as using complex and unique passwords for each account. Encourage the use of password managers to store and generate strong passwords securely. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.
Secure Network Connections:
Remote workers often rely on home networks or public Wi-Fi, which can be vulnerable to attacks. Encourage employees to secure their home networks with strong, unique passwords for their routers. Encourage the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to encrypt internet connections and ensure secure data transmission, especially when accessing company resources remotely. To learn more about the importance of a VPN for your business, please see our blog post here.
Update Software Regularly:
Outdated software is a common entry point for cybercriminals. Remote workers should regularly update their operating systems, applications, and security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities. Employ automated updates whenever possible to ensure employees run the latest, most secure software versions.
Implement Robust Endpoint Protection:
Endpoint security protects remote work devices from malware and unauthorized access. Ensure all remote work devices, including laptops and mobile devices, are equipped with up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software. Enable firewalls to prevent unauthorized access and configure devices to lock automatically after a period of inactivity.
Educate Employees on Phishing and Social Engineering:
Remote workers are often targeted through phishing emails and social engineering tactics. Provide regular cybersecurity awareness training to educate employees on identifying and reporting suspicious emails, links, and attachments. Encourage a culture of skepticism and vigilance when interacting with unfamiliar or unexpected communication.
Enforce Data Backup and Encryption:
Remote workers should be encouraged to regularly back up their work-related data to secure cloud storage or external devices. Implement robust encryption protocols to protect sensitive information during transmission and storage. In a security breach or device failure, regular backups ensure that critical data remains safe and accessible.
Monitor and Control Access:
Implement access controls and privilege management to limit access to sensitive company data and resources. For secure access, use robust authentication methods, such as biometrics or smart cards. Regularly review and revoke access privileges for employees who have changed roles or left the organization to minimize the risk of insider threats.
Establish Incident Response and Reporting Procedures:
Despite implementing robust cybersecurity measures, incidents may still occur. Establish clear incident response procedures that outline steps to be taken in the event of a security breach. Encourage employees to report any security incidents promptly to the designated IT personnel. Conduct post-incident analyses to identify weaknesses and improve security protocols.
As remote work reshapes the modern workplace, organizations must proactively address the evolving cybersecurity landscape. By implementing the essential cybersecurity practices outlined in this blog post, businesses can mitigate risks and maintain a secure digital environment. Prioritizing password security, securing network connections, updating software, educating employees, and implementing robust endpoint protection are critical steps toward safeguarding your organization's valuable data and infrastructure in the remote work era. Stay vigilant, adapt to emerging threats, and ensure cybersecurity remains a top priority for your remote workforce.
Total Data Protection
According to FEMA, as many as 60% of small businesses never recover after a disaster and are forced to close, highlighting the importance of maintaining backups that can keep systems running. Businesses need infrastructure in place that provides total data protection for their critical components. Datto’s Unified Continuity product family offers the solutions necessary to protect businesses from data loss due to power failures, flooding, security breaches, and human error.
Protecting the Business Data No Matter Where It Lives
Datto Unified Continuity includes a layered approach to protecting all critical business data across server infrastructure or SaaS applications. In today’s business environment, critical data is stored in physical, virtual and SaaS environments, all of which are equally vulnerable to natural disasters and malware. If any of that data is lost or breached, companies are vulnerable to significant revenue loss and even failure. Unified Continuity protects against ransomware, accidental deletion and disasters, providing business owners with peace of mind knowing they can restore data in seconds.
Why Haven’t You Heard of Datto?
While Datto protects over 500,000 small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) with their technology, Datto is a channel-only company serving over 14,000 MSPs. That means you won’t be able to go online and buy a Unified Continuity product without working with on of our partners like Unique Computing Solutions. And we do that for good reason: our MSP partners have the skill and technical expertise needed to deploy our products. We choose to sell through this highly skilled channel in order to ensure you (business owners) are getting the service you need for your unique challenges.
Why haven’t you heard of Datto? Because your IT service provider is our customer. Aligning yourself with a Datto partner means you are aligning yourself with the best in continuity services. It means your critical data is backed up. It means you will stay in business no matter the data loss scenario.
The Best Total Data Protection Available
Reliable storage options that scale, extremely fast recovery times, and 24/7/365 Direct to Tech support.
Datto builds the world’s easiest to manage and most dependable business continuity and disaster recovery products available today. Offering data production solutions for businesses for every size, regardless of infrastructure. Datto Continuity services provide automated local backup on robust hardware purpose-built for data protection and replication to the secure Datto Cloud. With our Instant Virtualization technology, business can be up and operational within seconds of an incident. Our suite of business continuity products includes the DATTO SIRIS, DATTO ALTO and DATTO NAS, all managed within a single web portal.
All-in-One Business Continuity
Ensuring your customer’s business is always on and resilient to disasters, SIRIS is an all-in-one solution that includes verified backups, restore options for any scenario, instant virtualization, and ransomware protection. SIRIS is backed by Datto’s private cloud so backup, failover, and recovery can be performed locally or in the cloud with no additional configuration. Streamlined business continuity solutions save time, money, and headaches. Every component of the SIRIS stack is built by Datto to seamlessly work together, from the backup agent, to the SIRIS software platform, to the private Datto cloud.
Raising The Bar for Reliability
Reliability begins with knowing your backup is always good. Datto eliminates the need to worry if the system will boot or be recoverable by automatically verifying backups will boot with all data intact and no ransomware, giving you 100% confidence in your backups and ability to restore. With backup you can count on and the ability to failover and restore from anywhere, we can deliver a high level of service to our customers.
Maximizing Uptime
Going beyond simply recovering data, business continuity saves businesses by keeping them online in the face of otherwise devastating issues such as ransomware, malware, natural disasters, network downtime and costly human errors. Datto’s breadth of restore tools are fit for any job and designed to get you back to production faster by taking out the guesswork. Backups are stored so that any snapshot can be used to restore or virtualize. Restore options range from granular restores which can target specific files to full system restores which include instant virtualization to keep your customers online. With the ability to immediately get back up and running from the Datto Cloud, you will have an edge when local competitors lack the ability to bounce back as quickly.
With robust solutions, advanced security features, and state-of-the-art technology, Datto is a clear choice when building your Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Strategy. Unique Computing Solutions has been a provider of Datto Solutions for many years and we are proud to offer a product that exemplifies the core beliefs we rely on for supporting our clients and protecting their infrastructure. If you are in the midst of a disaster, looking to upgrade your BCDR Strategy or starting from the ground up, the team at UCS and Datto is here to help! Please contact our office to learn more about these solutions and how they can integrate with your business or industry.
Cloud Security Essentials
More and more businesses are switching to the Cloud to store their data and rightly so. The Cloud offers numerous benefits over the traditional, physical on-site server, however it also comes with it's own potential issues. Follow along as we explore Cloud Security Essentials in the article below.
IT Checklists for SMBs
Whether you have your own in-house IT Team, or have outsourced your IT needs to be taken care of by a Managed Service Provider, you need to have a bunch of ‘IT Checklists’ readily available...and that can be a daunting task. Stay tuned and follow along as we provide our Must-Have IT Checklists for SMBs that you can use for your own business.
SMB Security Tips - Our Top 7
A massive global shift to remote working environments has created an open-season for cybercriminals. No business - big or small - is safe. Small and medium businesses (SMBs) seemingly have a target on their backs, so strengthening your company's security posture is essential right now. This process doesn't have to be stressful or time consuming. There are simple ways to protect business data against ransomware attacks right away and long term solutions to help your business boost resilience to cyber attacks. Here are a few of our top SMB security tips and suggestions:
Windows Feature Updates - What, Why, How?
Over the past few years Microsoft has worked heavily on creating a new style of Windows OS that is packed full of features, applications and optimizations that have helped countless number of organizations and users transition into the modern, technology driven environment we all experience today. We’ve all seen the ads on TV, or the stickers on devices when you walk into an electronics store, and it’s likely that the most significant of these upgrades you have experienced in recent years was the move from Windows 7/8 to Windows 10.
Data Security And Risk
We hear a lot of talk about data security because of the constant threat of cyber attacks and hacking. News of data breaches are now a common occurrence in our daily life. As a result, we are exceptionally concerned about the branding and reputation consequences of a data breach. However, there are other events which could occur that make your data inaccessible. It is important to know you are doing the best you can to protect against cyber attacks, ransomware and other forms of data theft, but data security goes beyond that.