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Recent reports show a worrying increase in serious cyber attacks targeting businesses. When your IT systems go offline, it doesn’t mean your business has to stop. Having a simple, one-page incident plan is key to keeping things running.
Key Takeaways
- Have a basic pen-and-paper system ready for communication.
- Create a one-page incident plan that includes essential contacts and recovery information.
- Laminate this plan and keep it somewhere accessible, like your IT rack.
- Avoid overly complex, lengthy documents that don’t provide practical value.
Why A Simple Plan Matters
When your computers and servers are down, the last thing you want is to be fumbling around trying to figure out what to do. You need a way to communicate with your team, explain the situation, and get things back on track. This is where a straightforward, physical plan comes in handy. It’s about having something tangible you can reach for, even when your digital systems are unavailable.
What Your Incident Plan Should Include
Your one-page plan doesn’t need to be complicated. Think of it as your emergency contact list and basic action guide. It should definitely include:
- Your insurance policy details and the emergency contact number.
- Mobile numbers for your key tech people, management, and anyone handling public relations.
- The location of your disaster recovery plan – even if it’s just a note saying where the main document is stored.
Making Your Plan Work
Once you’ve got this information together, the most important step is to laminate it. This protects it from spills or wear and tear. Then, stick it somewhere visible and accessible, like on your main IT equipment rack. It’s a constant reminder and a quick reference point. Don’t forget to review and update it at least once a year. Technology and contact details change, so your plan needs to keep up.
Ditch The Overly Complex Documents
We’ve all seen those lengthy, 50-page documents that look impressive but offer little practical help when you’re in a crisis. They’re like those business plans that go on forever and say very little. What you really need is something simple and effective that actually helps you keep trading. This basic plan, before any fancy software or complex tools, is your first line of defence.
