Best practices to keep your data safe, regardless of what things look like outside.
It’s no secret that this winter is one of Alaska’s most memorable, but also most challenging in recent memory.
As we come upon the season of unforeseeable weather patterns, it’s important to consider your plans if a power outage impacts your business. Severe weather events, such as heavy snowfall or freeze-thaw cycles, can cause power outages that can disrupt IT operations. Here are some tips to ensure you stay safe and connected during potential weather-based power outage:
- Backup power source: The first step to ensure continuity of IT operations during a power outage is to have a backup power source, such as a generator or uninterruptible power supply (UPS). These devices can provide temporary power to critical IT infrastructure, such as servers, network devices, and storage systems, until power is restored. If you lease office space, check in with your building to see what options are available.
- Data backup and recovery: It's important to regularly back up critical data and store it in a safe location, such as a cloud-based service or off-site backup facility. This ensures that if IT equipment is damaged or destroyed during a storm, critical data can be recovered quickly.
- Cloud-based services: Cloud-based services can provide a reliable alternative to on-site IT infrastructure during a power outage. These services are typically hosted in data centers with redundant power sources, making them less vulnerable to power outages. Cloud-based services, such as email, file storage, and collaboration tools, can enable employees to work remotely even if the office is without power.
- Remote access: If employees are unable to come into the office due to a power outage, remote access to IT systems can be critical for business continuity. Remote access solutions, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and remote desktop protocols, can allow employees to securely access IT systems from home or other remote locations.
- Communication plan: A communication plan is critical during a power outage to keep employees and customers informed about the status of IT operations. This plan should include contact information for key IT personnel, alternative communication channels, and instructions for how employees should communicate with customers during the outage.
- Disaster recovery plan: A disaster recovery plan outlines the steps that need to be taken to restore IT operations after a major disruption, such as a storm-based power outage. The plan should include a list of critical IT systems and applications, recovery time objectives (RTOs), and recovery point objectives (RPOs).
In conclusion, a storm-based power outage can have a significant impact on IT operations, but with the right planning and preparation, businesses can minimize the disruption to their operations. By implementing some or all of the points highlighted above, you can be sure to remain operational and keep your data safe, despite the most harrowing of days.
