The Calm Before the Storm
For years, Martin’s mid-sized manufacturing company ran like a well-oiled machine. Their IT team ensured everything was stored and secured on local servers. Backups? Of course, they had them. But like many businesses, they assumed their routine snapshots and external hard drives were enough.
Then, one Friday afternoon, something strange caught their attention. It was taking longer to load files. Documents vanished and reappeared, some mysteriously locked behind error messages. By Monday morning, the reality felt undeniable: ransomware was in their whole system.
Their most recent viable backup was three months ago. They lost payroll records, supplier agreements, and customer invoices. Their operations stopped, costing them thousands of dollars every day. IT worked frantically to restore files, but the damage was done. Clients lost trust. Vendors delayed shipments. Employees were concerned about their paychecks.
The Real Cost of Data Loss
Martin isn’t alone. Businesses across all industries, whether manufacturing, healthcare, or finance, face increasing threats from cyberattacks, natural disasters, and human error. The statistics are daunting:
- 93% of companies that lose critical data for 10 days or more file for bankruptcy within a year.
- Ransomware attacks increased by over 95% last year, with hackers demanding millions in payouts.
- 60% of small to mid-sized businesses close within six months of a major cyber incident.
And yet, many businesses still rely on outdated backup methods, thinking they’re safe, just like Martin did.
Why Traditional Backups Aren’t Enough
Many businesses use local backups or cloud storage, assuming that’s enough. But these methods have dangerous gaps:
- On-site backups fail if a cyberattack encrypts them along with the primary files.
- Cloud sync solutions (like Google Drive or OneDrive) don’t always create true backups, they just mirror changes, including accidental deletions or corruptions.
- Restoring from backups is slow and unreliable if not tested regularly.
Martin’s IT team backups weren’t monitored, tested, or protected from cyber threats. That’s why their last usable restore point was three months old.
The Shift: From Backups to Business Continuity
The difference between “having backups” and “having a business continuity plan” is massive. The former is just insurance. The latter guarantees you can recover quickly and seamlessly without disrupting operations.
PCS specializes in true business continuity solutions, not just backups. When Martin finally reached out, he was exhausted, frustrated, and financially strained. But his story didn’t have to end in disaster. If he had been proactive, he could have had:
- Real-time, automated backups stored securely off-site.
- Immutable backups, protected from ransomware attacks.
- A disaster recovery plan that allowed his team to restore systems in minutes, not weeks.
Instead of hoping their backups would work, businesses like Martin’s could have full confidence that they would.
What Happens When You’re Prepared
Six months later, Martin’s company is finally back on track, but it was painful and expensive. Now, with PCS as his IT partner, his business runs seamlessly. The next time a cyber threat occurs, he won’t have to wonder if his backups are good enough; he’ll know.
Are You Truly Protected?
Many businesses think they have a backup plan. Few have tested it, and even fewer have one that can withstand a ransomware attack, a hardware failure, or a natural disaster.
Don’t wait until disaster strikes to realize the gaps in your protection. Schedule a free network assessment with PCS today because it’s too late to prepare after a cyber-attack hits.
Contact PCS today for a free network assessment and ensure your business is truly protected.