The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is now officially underway, and businesses along the East Coast and Gulf regions especially should prepare for increased risks. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates an above-average season, forecasting 13 to 19 named storms, with 6 to 10 becoming hurricanes and 3 to 5 reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher). These predictions come with a 70% confidence level.
Whether during hurricane season or throughout the year, protecting your IT infrastructure, data, and cybersecurity should be a top priority. Here’s how to strengthen your business against disruptions:
1. Strengthen Your IT Infrastructure
Start by evaluating and reinforcing your critical physical and digital assets:
Secure Data Centers: House servers in flood-resistant, secure environments.
Power Redundancy: Install and routinely test backup power systems like UPS units and generators.
Network Resilience: Set up redundant internet connections to maintain uptime if your primary network goes down.
Cloud or Hybrid Solutions: Consider migrating to a hybrid cloud environment to ensure continued access to systems, even if on-premises assets are impacted.
2. Establish Reliable Data Backup Protocols
A solid backup strategy can save your business from catastrophic data loss:
Automated Backups: Back up critical data daily—or more frequently for high-priority systems.
Offsite or Cloud Storage: Store backups in geographically diverse locations to protect against local disasters.
Backup Integrity Checks: Regularly test restorations to verify that backups are complete and recoverable.
3. Tighten Cybersecurity Defenses
Cyberattacks often spike during crises. Don’t let a hurricane open the door to digital threats:
Employee Awareness: Train staff to recognize phishing scams and other threats, particularly during emergencies.
Access Control: Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strict user permissions.
System Updates: Patch all software and systems promptly to close vulnerabilities.
Incident Response Plan: Maintain an up-to-date cybersecurity response plan to act quickly if an attack occurs.
4. Create a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
A comprehensive BCP helps ensure operations can continue during and after a disaster:
Critical Process Identification: Determine which services must stay online no matter what.
Resource Planning: Allocate the personnel, equipment, and tools necessary to support continuity.
Communication Plans:
Internal: Set up reliable channels to keep employees informed.
External: Prepare templates for client, vendor, and stakeholder communication.
Ongoing Testing & Revisions: Hold regular BCP drills and review the plan frequently to adapt to new challenges.
5. Collaborate with Partners and Authorities
External coordination can make all the difference in disaster response:
Emergency Agencies: Stay connected with local emergency services for updates and support.
Vendor & Supply Chain Coordination: Ensure your partners are also prepared and can support your operations during disruptions.
Is Your Business Ready for Hurricane Season?
Hurricanes can disrupt even the most prepared organizations—but proactive IT planning and cybersecurity strategies can significantly reduce risk. The investments you make now in infrastructure, backup systems, and continuity planning will pay off when it matters most.
Need expert guidance?
Atlantic Technology Services is here to help you assess your systems and build a disaster-ready IT strategy. Call us at 410-860-9899 or schedule your free consultation today.
