Backup and Secure Computer Data
Since IT infrastructure is critical to daily operations, it’s necessary to have a plan to address all levels of disruption. Hardware and network failure, office disasters like fire, flooding or burglary, and security breaches – including viruses and malware – are all possible sources of interruption. When these things happen, proactive planning and preparation will mean returning to normal faster.
Practices that should be part of your plan include regularly backing up computer files and securely storing that data offsite, using anti-virus and malware detection software, using stronger passwords and changing them periodically, and encrypting sensitive data. Your plan might also favor moving over time to cloud-based software where larger companies are responsible for uninterrupted service, updating operating systems and applications to take advantage of newer security features, and training and empowering pastors and individual users to be responsible for these backup and security measures on their own.
Your plan should also have an inventory and map of computers, servers, switches, routers and printers, along with details about operating systems, network settings, software versions and licenses. If any of these devices were to fail, or if your designated IT guru is unavailable, these details will help you get up and running more quickly.
