Cybercrime is a growing threat to businesses of all sizes. With more sophisticated attacks like ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats, having solid disaster recovery and business continuity plans that specifically focus on the effect of cybercrime is more important than ever. These strategies help businesses stay afloat, protect their operations, and maintain trust with customers even when cyber incidents occur.

What is disaster recovery and business continuity?

Before we talk too much about creating these plans, let’s quickly define what we mean by disaster recovery and business continuity.

Disaster recovery (DR) is about having a plan to restore IT systems and data after an incident. This could be anything from a natural disaster to a cyber-attack. Disaster recovery focuses on getting systems and data back up and running quickly to reduce downtime and data loss.

Business continuity (BC) on the other hand is much broader. It’s about making sure a business can keep operating during and after any disruptive event. This includes maintaining essential services and returning to normal operations as swiftly as possible.

The rise of cybercrime

As the world becomes increasingly digital and much of our day-to-day lives take place online, cybercrime has become a major issue. With more devices connected and larger amounts of data online, the potential for cyber-attacks has increased. Common cyber-attacks include:

Ransomware: This is malware that encrypts data, with attackers demanding a ransom to unlock it. This can cause serious downtime and data loss.

Phishing: These are attempts to trick people into giving away sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy source. Successful phishing can lead to unauthorised access and data breaches.

Advanced persistent threats (APTs): Long-term, targeted attacks aiming to steal data or spy on an organisation. APTs are often very sophisticated which makes them hard to detect.

Building a strong disaster recovery plan

A good disaster recovery plan helps lessen the impact of cyber-attacks. Key elements of your plan should include:

Work out what’s most important in your business: You should start by working out your organisation’s “crown jewels” so to speak. What is the most important data you need to protect? How can this be made more secure?

Risk assessment and business impact analysis: Identify potential risks and their impact on business operations. This will help you to prioritise what needs to be recovered first.

Data backup and recovery: Make sure that you regularly back up data to secure, off-site locations. You can use automated solutions to ensure quick data restoration.

Incident response team: It’s a good idea to have a team ready to manage and respond to cyber incidents. They should be properly trained and prepared to act quickly if needed. You should also include who is going to respond should this person be sick or on annual leave.

Communication plan: Set up clear channels for notifying stakeholders, employees, and customers during a cyber incident.

Testing and drills: Regularly test and update the disaster recovery plan with simulations and drills; just like you would for a fire drill! This ensures everyone knows their role and can act effectively in a real event.

Ensuring business continuity

While disaster recovery focuses on IT, business continuity ensures that essential business functions can continue during and after a cyber incident. Key components of a business continuity plan include:

Continuity of operations plan: Outline how critical functions will continue during a disruption. This includes identifying essential personnel and resources.

Alternative work arrangements: Plan for remote work and alternative sites so employees can keep working if the main location is compromised.

Supply chain resilience: Ensure that supply chain partners also have business continuity plans to minimise disruptions.

Crisis management team: Have a team to oversee the business continuity plan and make strategic decisions during a disruption.

Employee training and awareness: Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices and their roles in the business continuity plan. An informed workforce is so important for preventing and responding to incidents.

Integrating disaster recovery and business continuity for cyber resilience

disaster recovery and business continuity should work together as part of a thorough strategy. Here’s how to integrate them:

Unified command structure: Your disaster recovery and business continuity teams should be working closely together to ensure coordination and unified decision-making.

Shared documentation: Maintain shared plans, including contact lists and recovery procedures.

Regular audits and updates: Regularly review and update plans to ensure they remain effective. It’s recommended that you do this every 12 months or when there is a relevant change, for example, a new supply chain partner or someone leaves the company.

Cross-training: Take some time to train employees on both disaster recovery and business continuity procedures to enhance flexibility and support.

Technology integration: Use technology that supports both disaster recovery and business continuity, like cloud-based platforms for data backup and remote work.

Need some support with your organisation’s cyber security? Contact us today to find out how we can help.