Panic Gripped the Headlines CrowdStrike Creates Global Network Outage, Services Crippled by Patch Updates.
In a shocking global event, businesses, supply chains, and public services, including airports and doctors’ surgeries, faced unprecedented disruptions due to a software patch update. This incident underscores the vulnerability of digital services to sophisticated cyberattacks such as ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).
Building a Robust Digital Network
In the wake of such tech incidents, it is crucial for businesses to create a robust digital network that not only safeguards client data and intellectual property but also ensures minimal downtime and maintains supply chain integrity. At ACUTEC, we work strategically with thousands of businesses to develop and implement solid disaster recovery and business continuity plans focused on mitigating the effects of cybercrime. These strategies help businesses stay operational, protect their assets, and maintain customer trust even during cyber incidents.
Understanding Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
Before diving into the creation of these plans, let’s clarify what we mean by disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity (BC).
Disaster Recovery (DR): This involves having a plan to restore IT systems and data after an incident, whether it be a natural disaster or a cyber-attack. The focus is on quickly getting systems and data back online to reduce downtime and data loss.
Business Continuity (BC): This is a broader concept ensuring that a business can continue operating during and after any disruptive event. It involves maintaining essential services and swiftly returning to normal operations.
The Rise of Cybercrime
As our world becomes increasingly digital, cybercrime has surged, with common attacks including:
Ransomware: Malware that encrypts data, demanding a ransom to unlock it, causing severe downtime and data loss.
Phishing: Attempts to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, leading to unauthorised access and data breaches.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Long-term, targeted attacks aimed at stealing data or spying on an organisation, often sophisticated and hard to detect.
Building a Strong Disaster Recovery Plan
A well-structured disaster recovery plan is essential to mitigate the impact of cyber-attacks. Key elements include:
Identify Critical Assets: Determine your organisation’s most important data and how to secure it.
Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis: Identify potential risks and their impacts to prioritise recovery efforts.
Data Backup and Recovery: Regularly back up data to secure, off-site locations using automated solutions for quick restoration.
Incident Response Team: Have a trained team ready to manage and respond to cyber incidents, with clear backup roles.
Communication Plan: Establish clear channels for notifying stakeholders, employees, and customers during an incident.
Testing and Drills: Regularly test and update the disaster recovery plan with simulations and drills to ensure preparedness.
Ensuring Business Continuity
While DR focuses on IT recovery, BC ensures that essential business functions continue during and after a cyber incident. Key components include:
Continuity of Operations Plan: Outline how critical functions will continue during a disruption.
Alternative Work Arrangements: Plan for remote work and alternative sites for employees.
Supply Chain Resilience: Ensure supply chain partners have business continuity plans.
Crisis Management Team: Oversee the BC plan and make strategic decisions during disruptions.
Employee Training and Awareness: Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices and their roles in the BC plan.
Integrating Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
To achieve comprehensive protection against cyber threats, integrate DR and BC plans as follows:
Unified Command Structure: Ensure coordination and unified decision-making between DR and BC teams.
Shared Documentation: Maintain shared plans, including contact lists and recovery procedures.
Regular Audits and Updates: Review and update plans every 12 months or with relevant changes.
Cross-Training: Train employees on both DR and BC procedures for flexibility.
Technology Integration: Use technology that supports both DR and BC, like cloud-based platforms for data backup and remote work.
Having robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans is imperative. At ACUTEC, we help businesses stay secure against cyber threats, ensuring their operations continue smoothly and data remains protected.
