A cyberattack. A natural disaster. A power outage. These can all bring operations to a halt. Do you know what to do if your systems go down?

Every small business should have an IT emergency plan—and it should be more than a dusty binder on a shelf. It’s your digital insurance policy and your blueprint for survival when the unexpected strikes.

Here’s what your IT emergency plan should include:

1. Backup and Recovery Procedures
Make sure all critical data is backed up regularly—preferably in multiple locations, like a local server and the cloud. Test your backup system periodically to ensure your data can be recovered quickly and accurately.

2. Emergency Contact Information
List all your key contacts: IT providers, internet service providers, software vendors, and emergency services. Post this contact list in multiple locations—physical and digital—for quick access.

3. Protocols for Device and Data Lockdown
Have a clear plan for how to lock down devices and systems if a breach occurs. This could include remotely disabling devices, changing passwords, and revoking access.

4. Employee Communication Templates
Time is critical during an IT emergency. Have pre-written templates ready to inform employees about the issue, what to do, and how long it might last. This reduces panic and ensures consistency in messaging.

5. Incident Reporting and Compliance Steps
Document how to report a cybersecurity incident and what compliance requirements you must follow (especially important in regulated industries like education and healthcare).

The key to an effective IT emergency plan is preparation. Waiting until disaster strikes is too late.

AdvanTechy can help you assess your current readiness and build a tailored emergency plan to protect your operations. Whether it’s a storm, a hacker, or a simple system failure, you’ll have a roadmap to recovery.

Don’t wait for a crisis. Let AdvanTechy help you build your IT safety net today.