IT Continuity Plans
Disasters happen, particularly within the online world where the convenience, accessibility and ease of the net can quickly be turned on its head. Whatever threats your business faces thanks to the technologically driven world in which we live, minimising disruption and aiding recovery so work can continue as usual is important.
Business continuity planning is always a hot topic, but for those unfamiliar with the term, where do you begin? Read on to discover our essential guide to business continuity planning.
What is business continuity planning?
A buzz phrase across many business resources, continuity planning is no doubt important, but what exactly is it? In short, a business continuity plan (BCP) is a strategy that outlines the steps that must be taken in the event of a disaster, emergency or simply a sudden, severe change to market conditions.
Business disasters come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from natural events such as floods, earthquakes and hurricanes to digitally based incidents like ransomware attacks, phishing scams and other cyber security breaches. Whilst at first glance planning to protect your business against them all may seem to be an impossible feat, your BCP should provide a suitable backup strategy for those relevant to your company.
Is continuity planning really that important?
Whether you are a small, start-up company or an established market leader who’s been in the business for years, continuity planning is a must for so many reasons. A comprehensive plan provides the support you need to ensure the longevity of your business, even in the face of the most devastating disaster. Even before disaster strikes, continuity planning helps business owners and managers assess vulnerabilities and close associated loopholes to protect the wider brand against ongoing and emerging threats.
Handling and recovering business operations during a crisis is no doubt challenging. By calling on a BCP, you and your workforce can stay calm, collected and focused on identifying, containing and recovering from threats.
How can I build my own continuity plan?
We’re not going to lie to you, building a business continuity plan that you and your wider company can rely on takes time and maintenance. Two factors that deter 73% of small businesses from making a business continuity plan in the first place. Those with business continuity plans in place however have a far better chance of survival in the event of a disaster.
Good business continuity planning always begins with in-depth research. Dig deeper into the risks that are likely to disrupt business activities and the functions that are critical to staying in business and recovering as time efficiently as possible. Using the risks and critical functions identified a plan can be built to your specific needs. It’s not just plan creation that should be made a priority, your BCP must be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure emerging business needs, processes and threats can be considered. It is recommended that you review your plan every 6 to 12 months.
You don’t have to take on business continuity planning alone, our experts make protecting your business from disaster easy. Contact our disaster recovery team today to discuss your requirements.
A specialist IT Company based in Corby, Northamptonshire, Syntec Systems provide expert IT Solutions and IT Support services to businesses in the local area. Syntec Systems specialise in IT Management, IT Consultancy and IT Procurement, and their experienced technicians also offer a 24/7 helpdesk service to help resolve untimely IT Issues for all businesses with no prior contract.