As we saw last week with the ‘cyber pandemic’ a cyber outage can strike like lightning, leaving companies scrambling to protect data, maintain operations, and reassure stakeholders. But with a how can you minimise disruptions? Contingency planning can navigate these digital storms with confidence. Here’s how your company can be prepared for a cyber outage, ensuring minimal disruption and swift recovery.

Identify Critical Systems and Data

The first step in any contingency plan is understanding what’s most important. Conduct a thorough inventory of your systems and data, identifying which are critical for business operations. This includes customer databases, financial records, and communication platforms. By knowing what needs the most protection, you can prioritise efforts and resources more effectively.

Develop a Response Team

When a cyber outage occurs, time is of the essence. Assemble a dedicated response team comprising IT professionals, cybersecurity experts, and key decision-makers. This team should be well-versed in the contingency plan, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Regular training and drills will ensure they’re prepared to act swiftly and efficiently.

Implement Backup Solutions

Regular backups are the backbone of any good contingency plan. Ensure that all critical data is backed up frequently and stored securely, both on-site and off-site. Cloud solutions can offer an additional layer of security, enabling quick access to backups even if your primary systems are compromised.

Establish Communication Protocols

Clear communication is vital during a cyber outage. Develop a communication plan that includes how to inform employees, customers, and stakeholders about the outage and your response efforts. Pre-drafted templates for emails and social media posts can save precious time. Additionally, establish a hotline or a dedicated support channel to handle queries and concerns promptly.

Create an Incident Response Plan

An incident response plan (IRP) outlines the specific steps to take during a cyber outage. This should include:

• Detection and Analysis: How to identify the outage and assess its impact.
• Containment: Immediate actions to limit the spread and impact.
• Eradication: Steps to remove the cause of the outage.
• Recovery: Procedures to restore systems and data.
• Post-Incident Review: Analysing the response to improve future plans.

Regularly review and update the IRP to address new threats and incorporate lessons learned from drills and real incidents.

Invest in Cybersecurity

Prevention is better than cure. Invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect your systems from attacks. This includes firewalls, antivirus software, and regular security audits. Training employees in cybersecurity best practices are also vital in prevent breaches caused by human error.

Maintain Business Continuity

A key aspect of your contingency plan should be ensuring that business operations can continue during a cyber outage. This might involve setting up temporary workstations, using alternative communication tools, or even having a manual workaround for critical processes. The goal is to keep the business running as smoothly as possible while resolving the outage.

Remember: No company is immune to cyber outages, but with a comprehensive contingency plan, you can mitigate the risks and ensure a swift recovery. By identifying critical assets, training a response team, backing up data, communicating effectively, and investing in cybersecurity, your business can weather any digital storm. Stay prepared, stay secure, and turn potential crises into manageable challenges.

PS If you want to stimulate your brain outside of the workplace, check out the Philosopher-in-Residence blog – out fortnightly on Thursdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Principal Planner, Anna Pascoe. Browse the latest edition here:

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