Top Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Why Continuity Matters More Than Ever

When disaster strikes — whether it’s a cyberattack, natural disaster, or server crash — your ability to recover quickly can determine the survival of your business. Yet, many companies still overlook critical steps when it comes to business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) planning.

Below are some of the most common mistakes businesses make — and how you can avoid them to keep your operations running no matter what comes your way.

1. Not Having a Formal Plan in Place

The mistake: Too many organizations rely on “we’ll figure it out” when a crisis hits. Without a documented, tested BCDR plan, confusion reigns, downtime drags on, and data recovery becomes chaotic.

How to avoid it:
Create a detailed, written plan that includes recovery procedures, communication protocols, key contact lists, and backup locations. Make sure every team member knows their role during a disruption.

2. Ignoring Regular Backups

The mistake: Backups that aren’t scheduled or verified can lead to incomplete or outdated data when you need it most.

How to avoid it:
Automate backups and test them regularly. Store data offsite or in the cloud to ensure access even if your main system fails. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of your data, on 2 types of media, with 1 copy stored offsite.

3. Overlooking Cybersecurity Risks

The mistake: Many business continuity plans focus on physical disasters but ignore digital ones. Cyberattacks, ransomware, and phishing can cripple your operations just as easily.

How to avoid it:
Integrate cybersecurity into your continuity plan. Use endpoint protection, enable multi-factor authentication, and ensure your team is trained to recognize threats.

4. Failing to Test the Plan

The mistake: Even a great plan can fail if it’s never tested. Many businesses find out too late that something doesn’t work as expected.

How to avoid it:
Conduct regular disaster recovery drills and tabletop exercises. Simulate different types of disruptions — from server failures to power outages — to ensure your plan holds up in real-world conditions.

5. Forgetting About Communication

The mistake: When chaos hits, communication often breaks down. Teams don’t know who to contact or what to prioritize.

How to avoid it:
Include a clear communication chain in your plan, complete with backup methods (email, phone, messaging apps). Make sure employees know where to find updates and instructions.

6. Not Partnering with the Right IT Experts

The mistake: Trying to handle disaster recovery internally without the proper expertise can cost valuable time and money.

How to avoid it:
Work with a trusted Managed IT Provider like Tekie Geek to help design, implement, and maintain your business continuity and disaster recovery strategies. Experts can ensure your plan is reliable, compliant, and tailored to your organization’s unique needs.

Disasters can’t always be prevented — but with the right planning, they don’t have to stop your business in its tracks. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your organization stays resilient, responsive, and ready for anything.

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