Human error is one of the most common causes of operational disruptions for businesses globally. From accidentally deleting critical files to clicking on phishing links, small mistakes can lead to big consequences. Did you know 68% of data breaches involve human error?
In 2019, a major tech company found itself in hot water when attackers gained access to their database through an employee’s account. The breach exposed the personal data of 139 million users including names, email addresses, and hashed passwords. Although the company acted quickly to notify users and mitigate further damage, the incident dealt a serious blow to their reputation and revealed weaknesses in employee training and account security measures.
Mistakes happen—that’s a fact. But the real question is: how does your business recover when they do? Eliminating human error entirely isn’t realistic, but you can reduce its impact and recover faster by building robust systems and processes. Here’s how to stay prepared:
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Automate Your Backups
If you’ve ever lost a file and panicked, you know the value of a backup. The best backups are automated, so you don’t have to remember to do them manually. Plus, storing them in the cloud means they’re safe and easy to access if something goes wrong. It’s like having insurance for your data—just in case.
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Test Your Backups Regularly
Here’s a question: when was the last time you checked that your backups actually worked? Imagine needing them and realizing they’re outdated or broken. Make it a habit to test them at least quarterly, sometimes more often based on your industry’s guidelines and best practices. Trust me, you don’t want to find out they’re useless when you’re in the middle of a crisis.
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Have a Plan Before You Need One
Think of a recovery plan as your “cheat sheet” for when things go south. Who’s in charge of what? How do you restore systems? How do you communicate with your team or customers? Knowing what to do in advance will save you a ton of stress when the pressure is on.
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Train Your Team
Most mistakes come down to simple things: clicking on the wrong link, using a weak password, or missing a red flag. A little training goes a long way. Teach your team how to recognize phishing scams, set strong passwords, and stay cautious online. A well-trained team can stop problems before they start.
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Don’t Rely on Just One Backup
Redundancy sounds like a fancy word, but it’s really just about having more than one fallback option. Keep backups in multiple places, like the cloud and a local backup appliance. That way, if one fails, you’ve got another to rely on.
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Have a “Ctrl+Z” for Life
We all wish life had an undo button, right? Well, some tools actually do! Whether it’s rolling back to an earlier version of a file or undoing a system change, these tools can save you from turning small mistakes into big headaches.
Mistakes happen, but being prepared ensures that they won’t disrupt your business. By automating backups, investing in training, and building system redundancy, you can protect your operations and keep them running smoothly.
At Info Exchange, we’re dedicated to helping businesses turn challenges into opportunities for growth. From secure backup solutions to tailored recovery strategies, we’ll ensure your operations remain resilient.
Be proactive—contact us today to strengthen your recovery strategy and keep your business on track.
