When it comes to data, we’re living in a dangerous world. That’s because encroachments from external and internal sources threaten the security and stability of business data every day. From adverse weather and hackers on the outside to hardware disruption or human error on the inside, it seems that our data is at risk of being attacked from all sides.

But did you know that there is one type of service that is devoted exclusively to keeping your crucial business data and functions safe? Keep reading for the details.

This post explores the risks to data looming in 2018. How can disaster recovery services help CPA firms be ready for what lies ahead?

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Steps to Disaster Recovery

Accountants are known for their conservative approach. CPAs are not keen on playing the odds, which is why disaster recovery services make so much sense for the 2018 tax season. Disaster recovery services providers develop and implement a strategic process to help accountants manage their data and the risk that comes from public and private security threats.

Disaster recovery services start with a team of IT and security professionals that work with your firm to develop a disaster recovery plan. This plan is your blueprint for handling all types of natural and human-made disasters. It should include:

• A disaster recovery team that can spring into action should the unthinkable occur.
• Regular data backups and recovery scenarios.
• Evacuation and communication plans.
• A third-party communications checklist for clients and vendors.
• Directions, a work plan, and diagrams for action that ensure business as usual, even during a disaster.
• Updates and reviews that allow your team to test and retest the various scenarios and adjust the plan as needed.

A big part of this planning process includes discussion and planning for all types of disasters. For example, if your network is infected with ransomware, backups of all your business functions and the data that empowers it will be your best remedy. Or, if your business resides within a coastal city, having a plan for physical relocation of crucial infrastructures, or development of virtual machines and off-site backups, will be important. The point of the planning process is that a trained disaster recovery services firm can consult with your CPA practice to develop a response to the possible threats that are relevant to your business model. Some crucial ways to potentially avoid risk to your data include:

• Make sure your operating systems are up-to-date with the latest security updates.
• Invest in the best IT teams with knowledge of the latest cyber security threats and how to battle them.
• Keep all off-site documents up to date.
• Run daily back-ups of all data, including emails.
• Train and engage your employees in cybersecurity risks and how they can mitigate them by closely monitoring for phishing emails and avoiding unprotected application downloads.
• Test and retest your disaster recovery plan.

Engage your employees in the success of your disaster recovery plan. Cross-training employees across departments will ensure organizational procedures in the event that staff is lost. Identifying which human resources are most critical to the business is all an important process. It’s always less costly to replace a server than it is to replace a key employee. Make sure that institutional knowledge doesn’t go out the door with the employee if they leave your organization.

Using the Cloud for Disaster Recovery Services

CPA firms seeking to mitigate their risk should consider the cloud as a backup and recovery mechanism for disasters. The cloud provides off-site data storage, along with the ability to recreate servers in a virtual environment. Should your building suffer physical damage, all files and computer programs would return to normal functioning quickly through the use of any Wi-Fi connection.

Finding an experienced disaster recovery services partner could mean the difference between a well-executed plan and fast recovery — or additional downtime during a data breach or natural disaster. Accounting firms seeking disaster recovery services in 2018 can count on TOSS C3 to help them avoid risk and create business continuity no matter the type of disruption.

A reliable disaster recovery plan can provide peace of mind. Request a quote on disaster recovery services.