Part 2 will cover AI & Automation, Backups, Cybersecurity & Data Protection, and DRaaS.

AI & Automation

AI (artificial intelligence) and automation will play an increasing role in disaster recovery. Artificial intelligence is remarkable because it can be deployed to help prevent disasters as a feature of your firm’s cybersecurity technology. In addition, AI can be used in aiding recovery efforts should a disaster occur.

Automation can contribute in a similar manner in terms of prevention. For example, it can be employed to ensure patches and updates are installed regularly. It can also be used to automatically activate recovery processes the moment they are required.

Backups

A good initial step is making a thorough assessment of backup strategies then taking the recommended steps for improvement. Should a disaster strike, the data backups of your organization will determine the time needed to restore business operations and the costs of the recovery.

Due to new types of ransomware that encrypt backup files, the classic backup rule of 3-2-1 (make 3 data copies, keep 2 of them local on-site, and 1 copy offsite) needs to be rethought. Experts recommend implementing a 3-2-1-1 backup plan, which will require making an additional air-gapped data copy that is disconnected from your company’s network and kept far away from your facility.

Nowadays, a majority of employees have remote working arrangements at least part of the time. Thus, backup and cloud storage are requirements for ensuring data is accessible to authorized staff and secured from those who aren’t.

Cybersecurity & Data Protection

Having cybersecurity and data protection solutions that function separately won’t be as effective in disaster mitigation. Joining and coordinating their functions will strengthen your data security and promote business continuity should a cyberattack occur.

Your team should consider a unified and integrated solution for optimizing capabilities in cybersecurity, data protection, and disaster recovery, while only requiring a minimum of effort in management.

DRaaS (Disaster Recovery as a Service)

DRaaS solutions are growing in importance in the disaster recovery strategies of many organizations. Backup-as-a-service can provide a highly dependable and lower-cost choice for having business-critical data and applications backed up. However, this may not be enough for companies that put an emphasis on business continuity. Although more expensive, DRaaS gives company leaders peace of mind that business data will be adequately protected and business operations will be restored rapidly.

Alpha Business Support

Choosing an expert computer technology-support provider is an important decision for your business. Alpha has been a trusted partner of many companies in the Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis areas since 1990.

For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha today at (410) 295-9500.