Building a Better Disaster Recovery Plan: Avoid These Costly Mistakes
Over the past month, we’ve emphasized the importance of a better disaster recovery plan by promoting Vision’s data backup and recovery solution. Key aspects of disaster preparedness—such as utilizing cloud services, investing in backup power resources, and developing a comprehensive recovery strategy—are essential in safeguarding your business’s future. Implementing these measures not only protects your company’s vital data but also ensures smooth operations even in the face of unexpected crises.
In this blog, we’ll highlight common mistakes companies make that can lead to severe consequences—and how to steer clear of them.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE
Disasters can strike in various forms, from natural catastrophes to cyberattacks or human errors. The longer you delay creating a structured recovery strategy, the more vulnerable your business becomes. Murphy’s Law states, “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” This couldn’t be more relevant when it comes to disaster preparedness. Evaluate your business environment now and develop a better disaster recovery plan that focuses on long-term resilience rather than short-term fixes.
CROSS-TRAIN YOUR TEAM FOR CONTINUITY
Disasters don’t just come from external sources—they can arise from within your organization as well. Ensuring that employees are trained in multiple roles is a crucial step in disaster preparedness. In situations where key personnel are unavailable due to personal emergencies, the lack of cross-trained employees can significantly disrupt operations. By integrating department goals and sharing knowledge across teams, you create a built-in safety net for your workforce. Cross-training acts as an internal insurance policy, strengthening your better disaster recovery plan by reducing operational risks.
LEVERAGE MICROSOFT SHAREPOINT FOR REMOTE COLLABORATION
A robust better disaster recovery plan includes solutions for maintaining efficiency during disruptions. Microsoft SharePoint is an excellent tool for facilitating seamless remote collaboration. Its customizable platform enables document management, workflow automation, real-time editing, and notification systems—all critical elements for business continuity.
Check out the benefits of SharePoint here, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out or schedule a free consultation with us.
DON’T BE CARELESS WITH EMPLOYEE CREDENTIALS
One of the most overlooked vulnerabilities in any better disaster recovery plan is poor password security. Storing sensitive credentials in plain text files or sharing admin accounts among multiple users creates an easy entry point for cybercriminals. Hackers can gain access using basic personal information—such as birth dates, phone numbers, and home addresses—especially when employees reuse the same passwords across multiple systems.
To minimize this risk, enforce strict password policies. Require employees to use complex, unique character combinations and mandate password updates every 90 days. Taking these precautions significantly reduces the chances of a security breach and strengthens your overall disaster recovery strategy.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A better disaster recovery plan is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. By being proactive, cross-training your team, leveraging collaboration tools, and tightening security measures, your company can mitigate risks and stay prepared for the unexpected. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—start building your plan today and ensure your business remains resilient in any situation.
For expert guidance on improving your disaster recovery plan, contact us today!
