We’re talking about resilience in October. In my last blog, I mentioned that our family has a grab-and-go folder with all our important info in it. However, does your NPO have a grab-and-go folder for its important data in case a disaster hits?

Data loss from a fire (or any disaster) can be catastrophic, especially for a nonprofit organisation that may rely heavily on irreplaceable donor, grant, program, and financial records.

Here’s a comprehensive list of best practice measures you should have in place to protect your data in the event of a disaster like a fire:

  1. Store all essential data in the cloud with a reputable provider (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox Business or Box). If you set up automatic syncing and version history, you’ll keep older copies safe. This keeps your data off-site and safe, even if your office and computer are destroyed.
  2. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule – 3 copies of your data, 2 different formats (cloud + external hard drive), 1 copy off-site (in the cloud or outside your office)
  3. Create a disaster recovery plan – how you will recover data, staff roles in disaster response, a communication plan with your stakeholders, contact info for IT support, vendors, insurance, etc.
  4. Keep an updated list of all hardware (computers, servers, drives), software and digital platforms, what data is stored where and who owns it
  5. Be cybersecurity aware – use multi-factor authentication (everywhere), password managers and strong passwords. Update your software regularly and make sure your anti-virus is up to date.
  6. Train your staff about phishing and data awareness, and make sure people can only access what they need. If someone leaves, revoke their access immediately.
  7. Check your insurance covers data recovery charges.

Last, but not least, run a disaster simulation to see just how prepared you really are should things go wrong.

If you need a hand, reach out. Our EM Solutions team can help you run an audit and make sure that your organisation is data-safe at all times.