Living and working in Southern California means being prepared for just about anything. Earthquakes can strike without warning, wildfires can spread quickly, and extended power and internet outages are becoming more common during peak demand. Add in the growing risk of cyberattacks, and it is clear that disruption does not always come from nature alone.

Each of these situations can bring business operations to a halt in different ways: damaged equipment, lost files, or systems locked by ransomware. Yet the one constant in every scenario is this. Data that is properly backed up and protected can turn a disaster into a temporary setback instead of a long term crisis.

In this week’s Tech Tip Tuesday, we will outline practical ways to keep your files, systems, and communications secure so your business can stay running no matter what Southern California throws your way.

1. Start with the 3 2 1 Backup Rule

This classic approach remains the most reliable way to ensure your data is safe.

• 3 copies of your data, one primary and two backups
• 2 different storage types, such as a local drive and cloud storage
• 1 copy stored off site or offline

This structure prevents a single point of failure. If your office suffers damage, if a laptop is lost, or if ransomware locks your local system, your data still exists in another location. Even small businesses can implement this system with affordable, automated tools.

2. Use Cloud Backups Wisely

Cloud storage is convenient, but it is not the same as a true backup. If a file is deleted or encrypted by malware, that change can quickly sync across all connected devices.

To stay protected:

• Choose a cloud backup service that allows file versioning and recovery from specific points in time.
• Regularly test your restore process to confirm that your files can actually be recovered.
• Encrypt your data before uploading, especially if it includes financial information, client records, or other sensitive content.

The cloud is an essential part of most business operations, but it should never be your only line of defense.

3. Protect Against Power and Connectivity Loss

California’s power grid is unpredictable. Between summer heat waves, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and sudden outages, short interruptions can cause serious damage to hardware and data.

Safeguard your systems by using:

• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to keep critical systems running long enough to save files and shut down safely.
• Surge protectors to prevent equipment damage when power returns.
• Offline or external backups kept in a secure, fire resistant location.

These simple protections can mean the difference between a smooth restart and an expensive data loss incident.

4. Cyber Resilience Is Disaster Readiness Too

A digital disaster can be just as damaging as a physical one. Cybercriminals now target businesses of every size, and ransomware attacks often hit when systems are already strained.

To strengthen your defenses:

• Keep an offline backup disconnected from the network.
• Regularly patch and update your software to close vulnerabilities.
• Use Multi Factor Authentication on all accounts that store or back up data.
• Back up your security configurations and network settings, not just your files.

The faster you can restore systems and verify integrity after an attack, the less downtime and cost you will face.

5. People and Process Still Matter Most

Technology alone cannot ensure a smooth recovery. Everyone on your team should know what to do and who to contact in an emergency.

Make sure employees understand:

• Who to reach for IT assistance.
• Where important data and backups are located.
• How to securely access systems if the office is unavailable.
• What steps to take first after an outage, earthquake, or breach.

Printed instructions, contact lists, and a simple checklist can make an enormous difference in how quickly your organization gets back online.

The Bottom Line

Whether the threat is a wildfire, earthquake, or cyberattack, preparation determines how quickly you recover. A solid backup strategy is more than an IT best practice, it is the foundation of business continuity.

If you are not certain that your current backups are working correctly, or if your recovery plan has not been tested recently, we can help you review it and strengthen your resilience. In both technology and disaster planning, readiness is everything.