After the Flood: Essential Cybersecurity Steps to Protect Your Business
After the Flood: Essential Cybersecurity Steps to Protect Your Business
Floods can wreak havoc on businesses, damaging property, disrupting operations, and creating unexpected challenges. But while most business owners focus on physical recovery—like repairing buildings and replacing equipment—there’s another critical risk to consider: cyber security. In the chaos following a natural disaster, cybercriminals often see an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities, from compromised devices to phishing scams.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential cybersecurity steps your business should take after a flood to ensure your operations are not only restored but also protected from digital threats.
1. Assess Physical Damage—Including Your IT Infrastructure
When returning to your premises after a flood, the first step is to assess physical damage. But while inspecting structural issues and equipment, don’t overlook your IT infrastructure:
Check servers, computers, and network devices for water damage. Even minor exposure can lead to hardware malfunctions or data corruption.
Avoid turning on damaged devices. Powering on compromised equipment can cause further damage or introduce vulnerabilities into your network.
Document everything. Take photos and log details of damaged IT assets for insurance claims, including any data storage devices.
Pro Tip: If your business uses Empower Managed Services, your devices will already have offsite backups in place, minimising the risk of data loss.
2. Be Wary of Post-Disaster Phishing Scams
After a flood, your inbox will likely be flooded too—with emails from insurance companies, utility providers, and government agencies. Unfortunately, this is the perfect time for phishing scams to sneak in.
Cybercriminals often send fake emails pretending to offer disaster relief or insurance support. Here’s how to protect your business:
- Verify email senders. Always double-check email addresses and URLs before clicking links or downloading attachments.
- Be skeptical of urgent requests. Emails that demand immediate action, especially regarding financial information, are often scams.
- Educate your staff. Ensure your team knows how to spot phishing attempts, especially during stressful recovery periods.
Empower UserSHIELD clients benefit from built-in phishing protection, helping detect and block suspicious emails before they reach your inbox.
3. Secure Your Network Before Reconnecting
Once power and internet services are restored, it’s tempting to jump straight back into business. But before reconnecting to your network, take these steps to avoid exposing your business to cyber threats:
- Conduct a full security audit of all devices before reconnecting them to your network.
- Change passwords for key systems, especially if you suspect any devices may have been compromised.
- Update and patch software. Ensure all devices have the latest security updates installed.
- Review access controls. Ensure that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized personnel.
If your business uses Empower DeviceSHIELD, our proactive monitoring ensures that any vulnerabilities or threats are identified and addressed immediately.
4. Backup and Recover Data Safely
Data recovery after a flood can be tricky, especially if you rely heavily on onsite storage. Here’s how to ensure your data remains safe:
- Use offsite or cloud backups. If you’re already using cloud-based services, you can quickly restore your data from secure backups.
- Avoid using water-damaged drives. Attempting to recover data from physically compromised devices can lead to further corruption.
- Consult cybersecurity experts for professional data recovery assistance.
With The National PC Way, businesses benefit from automated, secure backups that ensure quick recovery, even in the aftermath of a disaster.
5. Update Your Disaster Recovery Plan
If a flood has disrupted your business, it’s the perfect time to review and update your disaster recovery plan. Incorporate lessons learned from the experience and ensure your plan addresses both physical recovery and cybersecurity measures:
- Include cybersecurity protocols in your recovery plan, like steps for securing devices and verifying data integrity.
- Train your team on both physical and digital disaster recovery procedures.
- Regularly test your disaster recovery plan to ensure it’s effective.
Empower Managed Services clients benefit from tailored Technology Alignment strategies, ensuring both disaster preparedness and long-term IT resilience.
Flood recovery isn’t just about rebuilding what was lost—it’s about protecting your business from future risks, including cyber threats. By taking proactive cyber security steps alongside your physical recovery efforts, you’ll ensure your business is resilient, secure, and ready to thrive.
For more information on how The National PC Way can safeguard your business, contact National PC today. Don’t wait until after disaster strikes—ensure your business is protected from both physical and digital threats.