Sales and Marketing - Jen Jordan
Jen Jordan brings a wealth of life and leadership experiences to her writing. After 10 years creating a variety of content for a nonprofit, Jen decided to establish her own writing business. She specializes in creating high quality blog and website content for small businesses. When she's not writing, Jen is a competitive triathlete with a goal of completing a triathlon in all 50 states.
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Protect Your Small Business from Global Tech OutagesIn today’s interconnected world, small businesses rely heavily on technology to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and stay competitive. From managing inventory to processing online orders, digital systems are the lifeblood of modern business. However, recent global tech outages, like the one caused by Crowdstrike, underscore the vulnerability of these systems. Small businesses often lack access to the resources and support offered to major corporations. Therefore, it’s crucial to take practical steps to safeguard operations against unexpected disruptions. Understanding the Risks Global tech outages can occur for several reasons, including server failures, cyberattacks, or software glitches. These events can have severe consequences. Imagine being unable to process payments, communicate with clients, or access critical data. Nkosinathi Ndlovu, an expert in digital systems, warns that our increasing reliance on technology makes us susceptible to such disruptions (Moneyweb). Businesses must also consider that hackers and bad actors can study coding errors and tech outages, increasing vulnerability. Assessing Your Vulnerabilities Crowdstrike’s event forced businesses of all sizes to recognize their vulnerabilities. To protect your business, identify the critical systems and processes that rely on technology. Conduct a thorough risk assessment to understand potential impacts on your business. Wedbush tech analyst Dan Ives said, "Small businesses rely on third parties to prevent this, and instead, it becomes a ’code red’ situation (Inc.com). Understanding your vulnerabilities allows your business to have a plan to proactively address them. Diversify Your Tech Stack Relying solely on one technology provider can be a gamble. Consider diversifying your tech stack with multiple providers. Leverage both cloud and in-house solutions to ensure data redundancy and backup options and minimize the impact and work around an outage. Cloud solutions can be risky. Implementing security measures such as multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and vetting your cloud servers for security will help minimize your risks. Developing a Contingency Plan An effective IT contingency plan is essential. Include these key components: Backup Systems and Data Recovery Solutions: Implement local backup systems and regularly test data recovery. Having redundant backups ensures that critical information remains accessible even during an outage. Be sure to conduct regular backups and recovery tests. Communication Strategies: Establish clear communication channels during an outage. Phone lines or manual processes serve as alternate methods to continue business. Keep your contact lists updated and ensure that employees know how to communicate effectively. Manual Workarounds: Prepare manual processes as fallback options. Train employees on your company procedures and conduct drills periodically. Having well-documented manual steps can keep your business running smoothly. Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan: Work with experts to create a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. It is highly advisable to develop evolving plans that adapt to changing circumstances. Investing in Reliable Technology Selecting reliable tech providers and services is crucial: Build a Trusted Network: Develop a vetting system for screening and selecting providers. Consider their record of accomplishment, customer support, and reliability. Cultivate relationships with reputable vendors, as a strong network ensures timely assistance during an outage. Additionally, vendors you select should be able to support small businesses, not just large corporations. Invest in Cybersecurity: Update software regularly and maintain security measures. Cyberattacks often exploit vulnerabilities during outages. Regular audits can help you select strong firewalls, employee best practices, and current anti-virus software. Conclusion It’s critical for small businesses to prepare for global tech outages. By taking proactive steps, small businesses can become resilient and adaptable. By planning ahead, you can minimize the impact of tech disruptions and keep your business moving forward. Sources: Small Businesses Grapple With Global Tech Outages Created by CrowdStrike (usnews.com) How to protect business software assets from global tech outages - Moneyweb Malicious actors trying to exploit global tech outage for their own gain (msn.com) Businesses Large and Small Still Sorting Out CrowdStrike Outage Chaos | Inc.com |
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