4 Differences Between Backups and Disaster Recovery

Losing a file, especially an important one, can seem like a disaster. In today’s business environment, every morsel of information is invaluable. Finding a lost file can seem like a form of disaster recovery. Everyone needs as much information as they can get to seize on their next professional opportunity.

That’s why so many companies keep regular back-ups of their information. If something gets lost or a file corrupts, it can simply be pulled out of the backup. These backups are regularly updated and are usually enough for businesses just trying to stay on track.

However, since information is valuable, businesses aren’t the only ones after it. Hackers routinely access systems they’re not allowed into and can break them while robbing companies of valuable files. Yet, a disaster recovery plan can help companies stay afloat after such an incident.

Disaster plans are more than just simple backups, and they’re just as valuable as any information for businesses. Keep reading to learn how!

1. Backups Are Automatic – Disaster Recovery Is Intentional

There is no such thing as an automatic disaster recovery plan. Pulling yourself back up after a cyber attack takes work and intentionality. You need to have a plan and follow it.

With backups, to recover an item all you need to do is click a button and download it. But with disaster recovery, you essentially have to rebuild entire systems. It takes work, but it’s work well spent.

2. Disaster Recovery is About Planning Ahead

Every company has a safety plan in place by law, whether it’s for a fire, a robbery, or a natural disaster. Protecting your business in the cyber-world is no different. Disaster recovery is just about having procedures and plans in place in case you lose control over your digital infrastructure.

Your plan should include steps to take to regain control of your company’s digital tools. It should also include ways your company can patch the hole a hacker, or anyone used to access it. The plan should do more than pick you back up, it should make sure the issue doesn’t happen again.

3. Recovery Takes Time

With backups, all companies need to do to is redownload the files they need and get on with their day. Yet, with disaster recovery, it’s not as simple.

Rebuilding damaged systems and guaranteeing they don’t get damaged in the same way again takes work. You can’t just hit a button and make everything like it was before disaster struck. So expect your disaster recovery plan to take time to roll out, and include that time in the plan itself.

4. Disaster Recovery Should Include Backups

To effectively recover after a disaster, companies should plan to have backups on hand. While it’s essential to make sure digital systems are repaired, it’s also important to make sure the company can get back to work quickly.

One of the final stages of a recovery plan should be to roll out a recent backup. This way, people may not even notice any changes made to a system. They’ll be able to get back to work as soon as possible.

No Disaster Recovery Plan is Perfect

Disaster recovery is not about rising out of a dangerous situation stronger than before. It’s about recognizing what went wrong and taking the steps to put it behind a company and making sure it doesn’t happen again.

And every company is different. Some need disaster recovery plans designed around securing human access to systems. Others need to improve the systems themselves.

The best way to make sure your disaster recovery plan will work is to contact professionals about it. Contact us, and we will make sure you are ready for anything the world throws at you!