When disaster strikes — whether it’s a cyberattack, hardware failure, or hurricane — your business data can disappear in an instant. Unfortunately, many companies don’t realize how fragile their systems are until it’s too late.

As Dr. Greg from CMA Technology says, “Backups aren’t optional — they’re a lifeline for your business.” Let’s explore why regular data backups are essential, what happens when they’re not in place, and how recent events like Hurricane Helene underscore their importance for businesses across Georgia and the Southeast.

The Real Cost of Data Loss

Data loss can happen to anyone, and the financial consequences are staggering.

• A University of Texas study found that 94% of companies that experience catastrophic data loss do not survive — 43% never reopen and 51% close within two years.

• The National Cyber Security Alliance reports that 60% of small businesses close within six months of a cyberattack or major data loss.
• Downtime costs small businesses an average of $1,467 per minute, according to Gartner.
• Ransomware attacks — which often encrypt or delete files — now make up 35% of all cyberattacks, according to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report.

Without reliable backups, these incidents can destroy years of customer data, financial records, and business history — leading to permanent closure.

Lessons from Hurricane Helene: Local Data Loss and Business Disruption

When Hurricane Helene swept through the Southeast, including parts of Augusta and surrounding Georgia communities, the storm exposed a painful truth: too many local businesses were unprepared for digital disasters.

Power outages, flooding, and damaged hardware left servers offline and systems corrupted. Businesses that relied solely on on-site storage or single-location backups faced devastating interruptions.

Some lost years of records and customer data overnight. Others were forced to close for days — or weeks — while systems were rebuilt. For smaller companies, that kind of downtime can be crippling.

Local recovery efforts have highlighted a key takeaway: offsite, cloud-based backups are no longer optional. They’re a necessity for maintaining continuity during both natural and digital disasters.

Why Backups Are Your Business’s Best Insurance Policy

A proper backup strategy doesn’t just copy your files — it safeguards your livelihood. Here’s how the right approach protects your organization:

• Redundancy: Data should be stored in multiple locations (on-site and in the cloud) to prevent loss from physical damage or theft.
• Automation: Automated backups ensure your systems are protected daily, without relying on human memory or manual effort.
• Encryption & Security: Backups must be encrypted both in transit and at rest to protect sensitive data from cybercriminals.
• Regular Testing: A backup that’s never tested might fail when you need it most. Regular recovery drills confirm that your system works when it counts.

At CMA Technology, we treat backups like insurance — because that’s exactly what they are. A secure, verified backup gives you peace of mind knowing your business can recover from anything.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

From cyber threats to hurricanes, data loss is inevitable — but business failure doesn’t have to be. Investing in a smart, secure backup plan could mean the difference between a short disruption and total collapse.

Dr. Greg and the team at CMA Technology specialize in helping Augusta-area businesses prepare for the unexpected. Whether it’s ransomware recovery or offsite disaster protection, CMA makes sure your systems — and your data — are always covered.

Call the doctor before disaster strikes.