Last month we started our discussion on Disaster Recovery.  Hurricane Season’s underway, but we established that disasters can strike anywhere, anytime.  We’re hoping we’re helping you prepare for the unexpected.  

Last month we touched on Small Business survival stats, hurricane forecast predictions, the Seven Tiers of Disaster Recovery, and tips to get you started with your own Disaster Recovery Plan.  Well the IT portion anyway.  If you didn’t get a chance to check it out, click here now.

Remember… disaster can strike anywhere, anytime.  In the form of power outages, internet outages, floods, fires, lightening strikes, equipment failure, hacking, terrorism, even lack of physical access to your building.  Be prepared for anything.

Protecting your data…
There are lots of options out there when it comes to data security.  Finding a solution that best fits your individual needs is essential.  According to ISO27002, information can be protected using a wide variety of controls.  In addition to hardware and software functions, controls include things like policies, procedures, processes, and organizational structures. In order to protect their information, organizations must develop, implement, monitor, evaluate, and improve these types of security controls.

Start by identifying your information security needs and requirements.

1. Perform a risk assessment.  Identify threats and vulnerabilities.
2. Study your legal requirements.  What must be met?  By whom?
3. Examine existing policies, processing methods & practices.  What needs improvement?

Some common best practices:

• Allocate responsibility. 
• Create a policy document. 
• Make sure it’s done right. 
• Manage improvements.
• Provide training, education and awareness.

Well… hopefully we got you thinking and headed in the right direction.  Taking the proper steps to ensure your data’s secure is very important and we take it very seriously.  If you’re still not exactly sure what’s right for you, give us a call.  We live for this stuff. 

Ok…so we’ve focused on the ‘stuff’ you can’t see because, well let’s face it – it’s important.  But, what about the equipment in your office?  It too is important.  The same principle applies here.  Disasters come in all shapes and sizes and usually involve multiple elements.  No matter the combo - H2O, wind, fire and computer equipment don’t mix!  Have a Plan!  (Are you seeing a pattern here?  Good.)

Survey your office space itself.  Is any of your equipment in jeopardy?  Where is it?  Is it near a window?  What happens if the window’s smashed in and there’s a mini-tornado or worse, a flash flood in your office?

Protecting your hardware & equipment in light of an impending storm…
If you do but one thing – unplug all computers and office equipment.  Power fluctuations are a given – take precautions.

If you have time… store your stuff in a safe spot.

• In the corner of the room, away from wind drafts
• In a closet or windowless room
• Under a desk, out of the way of falling debris
• In plastic totes, off the floor

What about Clean Up…
Clean up is always everyone’s favorite part, right?  Ok, not so much – but it IS something to take seriously.  If you think any of your hardware could be waterlogged - USE CAUTION!  (You wouldn’t stick a fork in the socket to see if the power’s back on, would you?)

Water isn’t usually the only thing to contend with during clean up.  Often times during a storm, rain comes with a very fine talc-like powder or grit, reeking havoc on printers, keyboards, and mice. 

Unless you really really really know what you’re doing – it’s probably not a bad idea to have equipment, such as monitors or a power supplies cleaned by professionals.  These can contain potentially dangerous or even fatal charges of stored electricity.  Safety first!  If you’re not sure…USE CAUTION!

Don't let bad weather ruin your PC
Power surges and blackouts from summer thunderstorms often can be a bigger threat than attacks of viruses or spyware

Mitigating Equipment Breakdown Risks

Warning: Dangerous Web surfing ahead
Report by antivirus software vendor McAfee identifies dangerous domains

This month’s case study features, Gatorland - Alligator Capital of the World.

Click here to read the case study.

Help other’s learn from your unfortunate mishap or almost disaster.  Send us your horror story today.  No need to worry…  We’ll protect your identity, we promise.  And…if we put your story online, you’ll get a Spiderhost credit, a t-shirt, and a gift card for a restaurant or store.  Looks like that IT meltdown’s proving useful after all!

Click here to read this month's IT Horror Story

Something you want to hear about?  Something we could do differently?  Let us know!  Drop your suggestion/comment in the box - click here.

An Innovative IT and Internet Services Provider, Spiderhost delivers customized, best in class technology solutions to small and mid-size businesses that fit their unique needs and individual budgets.  With a robust suite of Internet products and services, Spiderhost combines technical elegance, high performance, security, and economical operation for maximum positive impact.  Spiderhost enables companies to affordably overcome challenges, freeing up time, money, and energy to focus on their core business.  For more information, please visit: www.spiderhost.com.

142 W Lakeview Ave., Ste 2090 | Lake Mary, FL 32746
Office: 407-444-2760 | TOLL FREE: 1-866-SPIDERHOST | Fax: 866-762-0204
sales@spiderhost.com | billing@spiderhost.com | support@spiderhost.com